There is much more work to do until every child in our system receives an amazing education. Mr. Brown's campaign is driven by his commitment to keep students, educators, and parents atop of mind.
In July 2020, Mr. Brown hosted community-led listening sessions on the NOLA-PS Reopening Plan, and was the first to support the delay of reopening school, placing the safety of students and staff first. Mr. Brown will continue to use the virtual listening session model going forward on other pivotal issues that demand stakeholder dialogue and feedback.
As a Board Member, Mr. Brown believes in the prospects that high quality direct run and charter schools present. Mr. Brown is committed to helping to establish an exploratory committee that would be charged with: (1) Analyzing potential impacts and benefits of the district operating additional Direct Run Schools while also authorizing and supporting Charter Management Organizations; and (2) Discussing plans for fostering clear collaborative agreements with struggling charter schools and charter management organizations.
Mr. Brown firmly believes that with the increasing cost of restarting the school year safely coupled with the decreasing local and state tax revenue, there is a serious need for more national COVID related emergency relief funding for public schools. Mr. Brown will advocate for additional state and federal support for all New Orleans Public Schools.
Mr. Brown sees public and community partnerships as a vital piece of the district’s strategic plan moving forward and is committed to engaging in deeper dialogue and planning around:
Mr. Brown strongly believes that in light of the pandemic, it is important to create policies that will safeguard charter and direct run schools including for future crisis, health or otherwise:
Mr. Brown has been serving as the OPSB Board Member District 1 since March of 2015. He served an unprecedented three terms as the Board President. Here are a few highlights of Mr. Brown's record:
Mr. Brown instituted geographic preference of 25% for OneApp available seats to be set-aside for students living within 1/2 mile of a school.
Mr. Brown led efforts to rehire retired teachers who have distinguished themselves throughout their careers, without having to sacrifice any of their current retirement benefits.
Mr. Brown supported the increase of salaries and benefits for active and retired employees (i.e. teachers, support staff).
Mr Brown successfully led efforts that require at least one (1) parent representatives on every charter board.
Mr Brown successfully led efforts to ensure that children and families were not waiting for school bus pick-up prior to 6:00 a.m.
Mr Brown successfully advocated for increased training of charter boards, more teacher education programs in all schools, and the recruitment of Black men to teach in NOLA-PS.