NOLA Public Schools Release Results Of Public Education Survey

From the NOLA Public Schools:

  As  NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) prepares for the 2020-2021 school year, it encouraged the community to participate in a Public Education Survey to gain insights on how COVID-19 has affected public education, as well as how to best return to school in the fall. The survey, which closed on June 5, was  anonymous and open to all parents, teachers, school staff and administration, students in grades 6 and above and community members. 

In total, 7,227 people completed the survey.  The largest group of respondents, roughly 66 percent, were parents/guardians of children who attend a New Orleans public school. Twenty one percent were Orleans Parish educators, 8 percent were Orleans Parish students and about 5 percent were community members. All zip codes were represented from across New Orleans. Overwhelmingly, the main priority for respondents was in outlining safety and health protocols in the coming school year.

The district plans to utilize these results in drafting a Roadmap to Reopening next school year. That plan, which is currently being drafted with the input of the NOLA-PS Reopening Task Force, along with other key stakeholders and school leaders, is scheduled to be shared with the public the week of June 29th. A key factor impacting the plan development is the receipt of final guidance from the Louisiana Department of Education.

“I want to thank all the parents, students, educators and community members who took the time to participate in our survey. The community’s feedback is vital as we plan for upcoming school year,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “Our priority continues to be the physical and mental health of our students and staff. NOLA-PS is working closely with our stakeholders and medical advisors to build a plan to help us open school as safely as possible.”

Survey results provided insight on important actions NOLA-PS needs to take when planning for the reopening of schools. Based upon all stakeholder responses, the health and safety of students and staff are identified as the core priority to drive reopening and standards for school operation.

This press release was produced by the NOLA Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.