The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has recommended that Pride College Preparatory School move into the Mildred Osborn School in New Orleans East next fall. Building proposals were passed out at the charter school board’s monthly meeting, Nov. 17. 

Michael Richard, ex-officio board member, is in discussion with Erin Lewellen, vice president of School Partnerships of Revolution Foods, about bringing healthier lunches to Pride College Prep. If Revolution Foods secures the contract the meal will cost $3 a day. The federal reimbursement for discounted or free school lunches in New Orleans is currently at $2.79. Pride would like to engage a third party to manage the reimbursements.

The school’s enrollment is up by two students from 248 to 250 for the month of November, the board learned. The school, with a capacity of 270, is budgeted for 255 students.  

The governance committee announced that they are recruiting new board members. Candidates will will be invited to an open house either on Friday, Nov. 18, or Monday, Dec. 12. Prospective board members will be able to visit the school, meet the board members and students and witness student “roars” — cheers that are performed every Monday and Friday to boost school spirit.

Auditors Kevin Tschirn and Don Wheat, from the Carr, Riggs, & Ingram firm, presented a report on the school’s finances, saying everything is in proper order. 

The meeting was held in the conference room of the school’s Main Office Building. Three board members were absent: Lisa Tabb, Janice Piazza, and K. Lavon Wright. Two members of the public and a reporter for The Lens comprised the audience.

The next board meeting will be on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Main Office Building.