New Orleans Public Schools (NOPS) named its first Black woman superintendent since its inception in 1841.
Dr. Avis Williams was appointed to the position on March 30. Williams was previously the superintendent of Selma City Schools in Alabama. The school board unanimously voted for the former Selma City district superintendent to lead area schools.
Williams was one of 50 candidates overall and 15 interviewed by the board. WVUE reports that the brilliant educator will now move to the contract negotiation phase with the school board.
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According to NOLA Public Schools, “Dr. Williams started her professional career serving as a sergeant in the United States Army before becoming a teacher and physical education coach in Huntsville, Alabama; an English teacher and assistant principal in Salisbury, N.C.; a principal in Huntsville, an adjunct education college professor in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and the Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction in Greensboro, N.C.”
Williams weighed in on the historical moment writing on Twitter, “Honored, humbled & thrilled by this new opportunity @NOLAPSchools. I’m ready to bring the community together and do important work for Every Child at Every School, Every Day! Can’t wait to get started! #WomenLeadingEd My thanks to the OPSB for their trust & confidence in me!’
Honored, humbled & thrilled by this new opportunity @NOLAPSchools. I’m ready to bring the community together and do important work for Every Child at Every School, Every Day! Can’t wait to get started! #WomenLeadingEd My thanks to the OPSB for their trust & confidence in me! https://t.co/Qjjiv4qFgt
— Dr. Avis Williams (@DrAvisW) March 30, 2022
In 2019, she was named a finalist for Alabama State Superintendent of the Year and 2021 Superintendent to Watch by National School PR Association.
“This is a historic moment for our school system and for our city, and the board is excited to extend the superintendency to Dr. Avis Williams. As the 1st African American woman appointed to lead our District in its more than 180-year history, her breadth of experience as a sergeant in U.S. Army, a teacher, principal, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent will help take our students’ education to the next level,” said OPSB 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.”
