Mayor Helena Moreno, leaders from the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB), and the New Orleans City Council announced on May 5 that they have reached an agreement ending a years-long legal battle over tax fees between the city and OPSB. The settlement is described as fiscally responsible for both parties and aims to deliver long-term stability.
The resolution of this dispute is significant because it ends uncertainty that has affected both city finances and school funding since 2019. Officials say the agreement will allow all parties to focus on providing education in a cost-effective manner for taxpayers.
“We are pleased that negotiations with OPSB have reached this conclusion,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “Our goal has always been to settle this amicably to put OPSB on firm financial footing while properly accounting for the cost of tax collection. Now that OPSB and the City of New Orleans have reached a deal in this legal battle that dates to 2019, we can look forward to educating our children in a way that is most cost-effective for taxpayers.”
OPSB President Leila Eames said, “We have always believed a fair, balanced solution exists that fully provides for the needs of our students while respecting the city’s constraints. Now that we’ve reached this deal, we can fully focus on our goal to educate the children of Orleans Parish.”
Council President JP Morrell added, “After years of uncertainty, I am so encouraged that the City and the Orleans Parish School Board have finally reached a settlement. This deal is a win for all parties involved: from the City to every student in Orleans Parish. I am in full support of this deal and believe we can finally move forward together.”
Council Vice President Matthew Willard said, “Today’s agreement reflects what we can accomplish through collaboration and a commitment to real results. This consensus puts an intractable legal issue between the City and OPSB behind us and allows us to focus on improving essential services for our students, teachers, and families. I’m glad we got the job done, and I’m eager to keep making progress toward our shared goals.”
District A Councilmember Aimee McCarron stated, “This settlement agreement represents responsible fiscal leadership and a culture of collaboration between City and OPSB leadership. I am proud to support this deal and look forward to officially considering it at our Council meeting.” District B Councilmember Lesli Harris added her support: “My priority as Budget Chair has been identifying opportunities to shore up the city’s financial position, and this settlement does just that…I’m proud to have played a role in bringing this to a resolution and excited to vote yes on Thursday.” Other councilmembers echoed their encouragement about ongoing cooperation.
The New Orleans City Council will vote on final approval of the agreement during its meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 7.