The Greater New Orleans Foundation Seeks Proposals to Assess the Service Needs of Students in the Orleans Parish Public School System

NEW ORLEANS, June 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater New Orleans Foundation (Foundation), in support of the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) and local and national funders, is seeking proposals to help OPSB determine how the school system can best identify and engage with organizations to equitably provide all students with essential services and resources.

The Foundation is accepting proposals from qualified expert consultants until 5 p.m. CDT on July 9, 2018. For more information and a copy of the request for proposal, please visit: https://www.gnof.org/opsb-rfp/.

The study will uncover the most critical needs of New Orleans' students and how to equitably address gaps in service. The study will also detail which services are available and compile in one place the high-quality agencies and organizations to provide those services.

"Our goal is to ensure that no matter which school a young person attends in Orleans Parish, they have access to the resources they need to learn and thrive," said Roy Williams, Program Officer with the Greater New Orleans Foundation. "The result of this process will be greater quality, efficiency and accountability for the students and families served by the OPSB."

Through this study, the Foundation and its partners intend to gain a greater understanding of the academic, social, emotional, learning and developmental needs of young people attending school in OPSB. Ultimately, the study will enable the Foundation to provide recommendations and solutions that will help OPSB establish an effective process for identifying and utilizing the most qualified service providers to support students and schools.

As of July 1, 2018, OPSB will be the authorizer of all local public schools serving students in Orleans Parish. Local public schools were formerly under the authorization of the Recovery School District. Under this new and unique arrangement, OPSB will not centrally administer services or provide direct instruction; instead, OPSB will utilize nonprofit community partners and for-profit entities to provide the majority of student interventions and supports.

OPSB oversees a unified system of schools serving approximately 45,000 students in PK-12 in New Orleans. The majority of students served, about 85 percent, are students of color, and their families are economically disadvantaged. Additionally, the system supports a diverse range of learners, including about 5 percent English language learners, 13 percent students with disabilities, and other groups who require quality supports to thrive and realize their educational potential.

About the Greater New Orleans Foundation:
For over 35 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation has been connecting generous people to the causes that spark their passion.  As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership and action in our thirteen parish region. Together with a family of donors and partners, we are building a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all.

SOURCE The Greater New Orleans Foundation

Related Links

https://www.gnof.org