NEW ORLEANS — NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans public school officials have made an historic choice in naming a woman to serve as its leader, marking the first time its done so in 181 years.
The Orleans Parish School Board on Wednesday named Dr. Avis Williams to replace Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr., who leaves his post June 30 after nearly seven years of service.
"As the first African American woman appointed to lead our District in its more than 180 year history, her breadth of experience as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent will help take our students’ education to the next level,” said board President Olin Parker. “Dr. Williams is committed to working with our schools to increase academic achievement, expand access to mental health services for students, and engage deeply with all community members. I am certain of her commitment to ensuring that our graduation rates continue to rise and the doors of success continue to open for our scholars through college, well-paying jobs, and beyond.”
The board and Williams will now enter contract negotiations. If an agreement is reached, she will be formally appointed to the top position during a future board meeting.
“I am honored, humbled, and thrilled by this new opportunity with OPSB. I look forward to working with the community to do important work for Every Child at Every School, Every Day. I can’t wait to get started,” Williams said.
Williams currently serves as Superintendent of Selma City Schools in Alabama, where she helped increase the graduation rate by 6%, reading scores by 6% and math by 8%. Prior to that, she served as an assistant superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools.