OPSB Approves New Contract For Superintendent Lewis, Jr.

NEW ORLEANS – At the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) Business Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15, the board unanimously voted to approve a new contract for current OPSB Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr.
         “After serving for over two years as Superintendent, Dr. Lewis has proven himself to be an outstanding leader,” said OPSB president John Brown, Sr. “Furthermore, as we move forward with unifying all our schools under local control the board believes it is critical to ensure stable strong leadership through the transition. OPSB is developing a long-term vision and strategic plan, and the Superintendent’s contract is now better aligned with the timeline of those plans.”
         The new four-year contract replaces the current contract, which was due to expire June 30, 2018. As part of the Superintendent’s formal evaluation, the new contract specifies performance objectives to be determined annually. The contract also provides for a new salary of $250,000, which is in line with salaries from similarly sized school districts.
         The new salary also takes into account the number of schools under Superintendent Lewis’ oversight, which will be nearly doubled, following reunification of all schools under local control in July of 2018.
          “As the OPSB Superintendent’s role transitions to become citywide once again, it is necessary to recalibrate the salary level of the position to be comparable with similar roles both locally and nationally,” said Leslie Ellison, vice president of OPSB. “We must ensure we attract and retain the highest caliber of leadership for our school system to drive continued growth in outcomes for our children.”
         OPSB currently oversees 41 schools, including 37 charter schools, four network schools and one educational program across two campuses for students in secure care facilities. After unification the OPSB will oversee a total of 79 schools and one educational program across two campuses for students in secure care facilities.
         The Superintendent was honored to accept the contract and continue his tenure at OPSB as Superintendent of Schools.
         “I want to thank the Orleans Parish School Board and the entire education community for their continued confidence,” said Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “It has been a great honor to serve as Superintendent of Schools for the last two and a half years and I am truly humbled by your trust. I promise to never take it for granted. I look forward to many more years of success, working on behalf of the children and families of New Orleans.”
 

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