OPSB Sample
Call to Action Email From Your Organization to Parents
Subject: Protect Classroom Funding
Dear Parents and Families,
New Orleans public schools rely on local tax dollars to support classrooms, teachers, and students. As you may have heard, a legal dispute is underway regarding administrative fees, the costs charged by the City of New Orleans to collect and administer school taxes on behalf of the Orleans Parish School Board.
Schools and families understand that tax collection comes with real costs, and we support paying a fair, proportional share of those expenses. However, the current fees being discussed are far out of proportion. The City’s tax collection system costs about $5 million a year to operate, yet schools are being asked to pay nearly $3 million, almost 60% of the total cost. That means school dollars are subsidizing City operations, and that money comes directly out of classrooms.
Even small increases in administrative fees can have a meaningful impact on schools, affecting staffing, student services, and classroom resources.
As the Orleans Parish School Board considers a possible negotiated settlement, parent voices matter.
We are asking parents and members of our school community to email School Board members and respectfully request two things:
That as representatives for our students and families, they maximize dollars for the classroom by ensuring schools only pay their fair and proportionate share of administrative costs.
That as representatives for our students and families, they maximize dollars for the classroom by not exceeding 1.5% for any fee collected, as outlined in Louisiana law.
Below are sample emails you can copy, paste, and personalize. If you choose to write your own message, please keep these principles in mind:
Acknowledge legitimate City costs
Avoid “all-or-nothing” language
Position schools as reasonable partners, not adversaries
Keep the focus on students and classrooms, not politics
Thank you for taking a moment to advocate for New Orleans students and schools. Your voice matters.
Sample Email — Parent (Short & Reasonable)
Subject: Please Keep Administrative Fees Fair and Focused on Students
Dear School Board Member,
I am a New Orleans public school parent writing as you consider discussions around administrative fees tied to the collection of taxes that support public schools.
I understand there is a real cost to collecting and administering taxes, and I believe schools should pay their fair share of reasonable expenses. At the same time, every dollar charged in excess of those costs is a dollar taken directly from classrooms and students.
As you consider any negotiated settlement, I respectfully ask that you hold the line on administrative fees and not agree to fees above the 1.5% limit outlined in Louisiana law, so that as much funding as possible remains in schools.
Thank you for your service and for keeping students at the center of these decisions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[School name, optional]
4. Sample Email — Parent (More Personal)
Subject: Protect Classroom Funding While Covering Reasonable Costs
Dear [School Board Member Name],
As a parent of a child in a New Orleans public school, I am closely following discussions about administrative fees being charged to schools by the City of New Orleans.
I understand that tax collection involves real costs, and I support schools paying their fair share of reasonable administrative expenses. I also know that when fees go beyond the true cost of service, those dollars are pulled directly from classrooms.
If a settlement is considered, I respectfully ask that you do not agree to fees that exceed schools’ proportional share of collection costs. Greater transparency around the City’s actual costs would help ensure fees remain fair and lawful.
Our schools are delivering strong results for students, and now is not the time to divert resources away from children and classrooms.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our schools.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[School or neighborhood, optional]
5. Sample Email — Teacher / School Staff
Subject: Please Balance Administrative Costs with Classroom Needs
Dear School Board Member,
I am writing as a New Orleans educator who works with public school students every day.
I understand that collecting and administering taxes comes with real costs, and I believe schools should contribute their fair share to cover those expenses. At the same time, I see firsthand how carefully schools stretch limited resources to meet student needs.
As you consider any negotiated settlement related to administrative fees, I respectfully ask that you keep fees reasonable, not exceed the 1.5% limit set by law, and prioritize protecting classroom funding.
Thank you for your service and for keeping students at the center of these decisions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[School name / role, optional]