FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DFER LA PAC Announces Endorsements for Orleans Parish School Board races

September 16, 2020

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3rd; Early Voting is Oct. 20-27 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Leslie Leavoy, State Director for Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana (DFER LA), released the following statement announcing the endorsement of seven candidates seeking a seat on the Orleans Parish School Board.

“DFER LA is proud to support community and education leaders who champion high-quality public school options for every student in New Orleans and across Louisiana. This election year is critical:  Not only must we ensure that we vote early and vote safely, New Orleans voters have an opportunity to cast their vote for school board candidates who will usher in the next phase of educational opportunity. Graduation rates are up, drop out rates are down, and the number of students enrolling in college is at an all-time high. But there’s so much more work to do.

“Moving into 2021, the Orleans Parish School Board must develop a new strategic plan for our city’s schools and the NOLA-PS administration, conduct consistent assessments of district finances as we continue to feel the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and address the academic needs of students whose learning has been disrupted over the last six months due to the pandemic.

“Moreover, our school board leaders must expand their advocacy and representation of students outside of school-level issues. We need leaders who will work well and will work regularly with City Council members, our legislative delegation, our Mayor, our BESE leaders and our Governor to advance progressive policies around healthcare, criminal justice reform, racial equity, broadband access, our city’s infrastructure and public safety. These are issues that may not affect students while they’re in the classroom, but they undoubtedly affect our students’ and families’ livelihoods.”

For the Orleans Parish School Board, DFER LA PAC is endorsing:

• District 1: John Brown
• District 2: Ethan Ashley
• District 3: Olin Parker
• District 5: Katie Baudouin
• District 6: Carlos Zervigon
• District 7:Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Jamar Wilson

The primary election for the Orleans Parish school board will be on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting will take place Tuesday, Oct. 20 through Tuesday, Oct. 27 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 25) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Contact: Leslie Leavoy

Leslie@dfer.org

About Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana 

DFER LA supports elected leaders while in office to advance progressive public education policies, and holds them accountable–both while in office, and during the election cycle.

Over the last decade, students in Louisiana have made tremendous gains, yet there is still work to do. Various coalitions of advocates, community members and school leaders continue to problem-solve for challenges within areas including education quality, equity, and a pronounced opportunity gap. DFER LA was formed in 2015 to address challenges, advocate for students who suffer because of them, and support candidates who are dedicated to creating better opportunities for all students.