Focused On

Instability is the word of the year for one local school

Delaney Nolan on exit bonuses for voluntary deportation promised by the Department of Homeland Security. Marta Jewson on the fate of The Leah Chase School.
by Carolyne Heldman

This week on Behind The Lens, halfway through the school year, students, parents and administrators are still waiting to hear the fate of the only direct-run school in New Orleans. The Leah Chase School was opened in 2023 with an arts-focused curriculum but has struggled financially.*

And exit bonuses and voluntary deportation are being trumpeted by DHS and US Customs and Immigration Enforcement, but reporting shows that many who have tried to take advantage of the promises have been left empty-handed back in their home countries with little to no recourse.

Our guests this week are Environmental Reporter Delaney Nolan and Education Reporter Marta Jewson.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Thom Yorke At Home by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

You can also listen to Behind The Lens on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other services.

*After this episode was recorded, the Orleans Parish School Board voted to keep The Leah Chase School open for two more academic years.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.

View all posts by Carolyne Heldman