Lycée is dealing with its challenges, rival parent group responds

Following the explosive letter one group of parents filed with the Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orleans board last week, another school faction has sent its own petition to the board.

“There is no doubt that the school has faced challenges,” reads the letter, dated Monday, “but when faced with challenges, the school leadership has responded in a positive manner.”

The new letter goes on to laud the controversial hiring of academic director and interim CEO Gisele Schexnider in a prompt manner, saying she’s improved communication at the school and acted quickly to fill vacancies.

Though the new letter is addressed to Lycée’s board, board member Paige Saleun is among the 62 whose names are attached to it as being in agreement. Other names included on the letter were Jim MacPhaille, husband of board member Catherine MacPhaille, and musicians Ani DiFranco and Jeff Raines.

The Rebuilding Trust Working Group — the name of the parents who penned the eight-page complaint last week — called for Saleun’s ouster as well as that of board president Jean Montes.

The letter was also sent to state education Superintendent John White, Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools Executive Director Caroline Roemer-Shirley and CODOFIL Executive Director Joseph Dunn.