FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DFER LA Congratulates Endorsed Candidates on Election Day Victories
Two DFER champions win races for Orleans Parish School Board
Four DFER-backed candidates face runoffs
NEW ORLEANS, LA (November 4, 2020) – 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:
“Our team is proud to congratulate each DFER candidate on their hard-fought and well-deserved victories yesterday. We look forward to building stronger relationships with each of the newly-elected school board members as they begin their new term in January. Each of these victories affirm that voters across the city are demanding better options and resources for their students, such as an increase in vocational education options, better teacher pay, more funding for under-resourced schools, investment in mental health support, recruiting teachers from local neighborhoods and communities, and better coordination of bus and transportation schedules.
“Moreover, our team is prepared to work alongside the Orleans Parish School Board to ensure board members and NOLA Public Schools administration continue addressing needs of students and families in the midst of concurrent health, economic, and racial justice crises. In order to continue building upon the progress we’ve made, we must come together citywide to usher in the next phase of educational opportunity for our students. OPSB, NOLA PS, advocates, community leaders, and other stakeholders must work in partnership with City Council members, our legislative delegation, our Mayor, our BESE leaders, and our Governor to advance progressive policies that affect our students’ and families’ livelihoods both in and outside the classroom.”
Based on unofficial returns, two endorsed candidates for OPSB won outright:
- District 1: John A. Brown, Sr. wins re-election with 52% of the vote; and,
- District 3: Olin Parker, a first time-candidate and education policy expert was elected to the district’s open seat with 64% of the vote.
“Our work is not done. Our team will ensure the four remaining DFER-backed candidates get the resources they need to finish strong as they face a run-off election on December 5,” said Leavoy.
The unofficial results for the OPSB races that are headed to runoffs on December 5 are as follows:
- District 2: Incumbent and School Board President Ethan Ashley (36%) holds a strong position heading into the runoff and faces Chanel Payne (27%);
- District 5: Parent and policy expert Katie Baudouin (41%) will face Antoinette Williams (38%);
- District 6: Former educator and charter school board member Carlos Zervigon (42%) will face Erica Martinez (29%); and,
- District 7: Incumbent Nolan Marshall, Jr. (44%) will face Kayonna Armstrong (42%).
The runoff election for Orleans Parish District Attorney, select judicial races, and OPSB races will be on Saturday, Dec. 5. Early voting will take place from Fri. Nov. 20 to Sat. Nov. 28 (except Sun. Nov. 22, Thurs. Nov. 26 and Fri. Nov. 27) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
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