NOLA Education certified to the Puerto Rico Senate on Friday that it paid for meals during a December 2025 trip to Louisiana meant to study education models for the island. Family Department Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes was among the seven-member Puerto Rico delegation, which included NOLA representatives. According to documents obtained by journalist Rafael Lenín López (Primera Pregunta), including receipts, the company covered transportation, materials and meals for a group of 13 to 20 people plus the delegation.
It paid $2,956.75 for a December 8 dinner at Arnaud’s and $1,997.35 for a December 9 group dinner at R’evolution, in the Royal Sonesta hotel. The agenda also included corporate breakfasts and lunches, snacks for tours in areas such as White Castle and East Iberville, and gift bags for the seven delegation members containing local sweets, coffee and souvenirs.
The report lists $12,774.75 in documented charges and reimbursements, plus $750.30 in estimated additional costs, for a total above $13,000. NOLA also said it paid $5,407.50 to Pro Driving Services for shuttle transport over both days. Roig Fuertes had told a Senate Family Committee questioning that she paid all her meals in cash.
NOLA’s answers state that no member of the Puerto Rico delegation told them they could not pay their own food and drink expenses. Roig Fuertes reacted by referring to her earlier statements, saying that because the matter is part of an ongoing process she will only comment when officially required and in the proper forums, and that she stands by the facts already expressed and documented.
The Senate also asked NOLA for a summary of the main topics discussed on implementing the Star Academy program in 25 public schools; officials reportedly visited classrooms and spoke with educators and staff.