DFER LA Congratulates Endorsed Candidates on Runoff Election Victories
Four DFER champions win runoff races for Orleans Parish School Board, Maintaining Reform-majority Board
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Following the reported results for seats on the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB), Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana (DFER LA)’s State Director, Leslie Leavoy, released the following statement:
“Congratulations to each DFER-endorsed candidate on their hard-fought and well-deserved victories yesterday. We look forward to building stronger relationships with Mr. Ashley, Mrs. Baudouin, Mr. Zervigon, and Mr. Marshall, along with Mr. Brown and Mr. Parker, as they begin their new terms in January. Each of these victories affirm that parents, families, and voters in New Orleans are eager for our public schools to build upon the progress that’s been made. Our organization is excited to have quality education champions and dedicated public servants serving our students, and we look forward to working with such a strong Board to increase vocational education options, raise teacher pay, increase resources for under-served schools, invest in mental health support, recruit teachers from local neighborhoods and communities, and better coordinate bus and transportation schedules.”
The unofficial results for the OPSB races are as follows:
- District 2: Incumbent and School Board President Ethan Ashleywon re-election with 55% of the vote;
- District 5: Parent and policy expert Katie Baudouinwas elected with 54% of the vote;
- District 6: Former educator and charter school board member Carlos Zervigonwas elected to the district’s open seat with 61% of the vote; and,
- District 7: Incumbent Nolan Marshall, Jr.was re-elected with 57% of the vote.
In total, of the six races where DFER LA invested, six progressive, reform-minded Democratic leaders were elected and will begin serving our city’s students next year. Incumbent John Brown and newcomer Olin Parker were elected to the Districts 1 and 3 seats respectively.
“DFER LA stands ready to work with the newly elected and re-elected Board members to address the needs of students and families across the city in the midst of concurrent health, economic, and racial justice crises,” said Leavoy. “Our team has remained consistent in saying that we must come together citywide to usher in the next phase of educational opportunity for our students. The Orleans Parish School Board, NOLA Public Schools, advocates, community leaders, and other stakeholders must work in partnership with City Council members, our legislative delegation, our Mayor, our Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) leaders, and our Governor to advance progressive policies that will improve our students’ and families’ livelihoods both in and outside the classroom. Our organization looks forward to serving as an active partner in this critical work into the new year.”
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