Following recent increases, Pride College Prep’s enrollment has settled at 254 after the withdrawal of three students, school leader Michael Richard reported at the board’s monthly meeting, Feb. 14.

Richard also discussed a recent visit with  the Kenilworth Park homeowners at which he talked up the school’s pending move into the eastern New Orleans neighborhood. An enrollment drive will be built around advertisements in 10 bus shelters proclaiming “Pride in the East,” and Kenilworth residents signaled that they were interested in partnering with the school, Richard said.

The parent of a former Pride student said the child would return if after-school care could be offered on Fridays. The school is looking into its budget to see if this is feasible.

In other business, the school is in discussion with the Revolution Foods catering company. Administrators said they are very interested in hiring the company, which is known for healthier alternatives to the usual cafeteria offerings. The cost would be a bit more than current arrangements, but the health benefits would outweigh the costs, school officials said.

The school observed Carnival’s culmination by offering a fun Mardi Gras Week, board members learned. Each classroom had a king cake and 80 students crafted shoebox floats.

The meeting began by welcoming new board members Sam Joel and Gabriel Bordenave and was attended by one parent and a reporter for The Lens. The board next meets March 12, at 6:30 p.m., in the Main School Building conference room.