This report summarizes the findings and recommendations of 22 internal, external, or combined studies written by committees, consultants, or staff. A listing is included of more than 70 other plans, reports, requests, or other efforts to identify needs of the New Orleans Public Schools. A synthesis of findings or recommendations from these sources is made as follows: (1) academic achievement of students should be significantly improved towards national averages; (2) affective growth of students should be promoted by school programs; (3) curriculum should provide for changing demands of the knowledge and technology-based information age, and for unique local needs; (4) social, economic, and health problems necessitate provision of adequate student support services; (5) decision-making and implementation in the school district should be accomplished through a long-range, comprehensive planning process; (6) administrative and managerial activities of the school district should operate more effectively and efficiently; (7) facilities of the school district should be made safer and more secure; (8) organizational climates of both schools and central offices should be more positive; (9) revenues of the School Board should be increased and more efficiently spent; and (10) overall quality of staff should be improved through better recruitment, placement, staff development, administrative support and through greater accountability. (LMO)