After 25 years as an educator, New Orleans Public School Superintendent Henderson Lewis Jr. announces he will not renew his contract with the Orleans Parish School Board.
“I am proud of NOLA Public Schools. I am proud of our staff, our teachers, our school leaders, and most of all, our students and families,” Lewis said. “And with all journeys, there comes times for new direction and new leadership. I believe now is the time now for new voices, new dreams, and new visionaries to carry NOLA Public Schools into the future.”
Lewis has been at the helm of NOLA-PS for more than six years, overseeing the 2018 unification of public schools in New Orleans under local control.
“Throughout Dr. Lewis’ tenure, our District has accomplished much, even in the face of insurmountable challenges, like the COVID-19 global pandemic,” said School Board President Ethan Ashley. “While his tenure is coming to a close, we are grateful he is here to help begin the planning for the District’s next phase, including our strategic planning process and racial equity audit. Moving forward, our board will meet this month to discuss the next steps, including a comprehensive, transparent, and equitable superintendent search process; and we welcome the challenge of attracting and identifying an equity-minded leader to continue improving our school district for our students, teachers, staff, families, and community.”
Lewis worked for the Algiers Charter Schools Association for six years, serving as the founding principal at Algiers Technology Academy. He taught for seven years at St. Bernard Parish Public Schools, sat on the St. Bernard Parish Public School Board for 11 years, and was superintendent for East Feliciana Parish before leading New Orleans’ school district as superintendent.
