About Henderson

During his tenure, he brought all his experiences to bear building partnerships, using data to drive decisions, and leading NOLA Public Schools through unprecedented times including:

• Unifying the school district by bringing schools managed by the state Recovery School District to join schools under the oversight of the Orleans Parish School Board

• Leading the Nation in Response to COVID-19 with data driven decisions that protected the health and safety of students and educators

• Championing the cause for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

​ ​ Dr. Lewis has been at the helm of NOLA PS for almost seven years and throughout his tenure, he has not wavered from his mission as a citywide regulator of schools, a protector of family and student rights, a champion for equity and inclusivity, and a thoughtful steward of public resources. Dr. Lewis is a member of Chiefs for Change where he serves on the Chief Equity Officers Committee, the American Association of School Superintendents, the Council of Great City Schools, The Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is a loving, devoted, and proud father of two incredible college students which motivates him daily to be a change agent for social justice in service to others. ​

​ ​ Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. is the founding President and Chief Executive Officer for Vision Forward Consulting Group, LLC and an African American educator who serves as the 22nd Superintendent of Schools for the public school district in New Orleans, Louisiana, known as NOLA Public Schools. Before leading New Orleans’ school district, Dr. Lewis was a celebrated superintendent for East Feliciana Parish, which is just north of Baton Rouge. Under his leadership, the district was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education as 2nd in the state for elementary student academic growth.   Prior to becoming superintendent in East Feliciana, Dr. Lewis worked for the Algiers Charter Schools Association for six years, serving as the founding principal at Algiers Technology Academy. He taught for seven years at neighboring St. Bernard Parish Public Schools and was elected for three consecutive terms to represent District 9 on the St. Bernard Parish Public School Board for 11 years. During his tenure, Dr. Lewis was the only African American member of the school board and he served as the education committee chair, which led the transformative effort of rebuilding the school system in St. Bernard Parish after Hurricane Katrina. On March 18, 2015, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. became one of the youngest superintendents ever in the 180-year history of New Orleans public schools. With over 25 years of educational experience as a teacher, mentor, assistant principal, instructional coach, curriculum expert, principal, and school district leader, Superintendent Lewis brings a unique, classroom focused perspective to the table. ​

​ "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead