The Treme Charter School Association, which governs McDonogh 42 Elementary, met Dec. 17 and decided to fight the loss of their charter.

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted not to renew TCSA’s charter contract.  The state Department of Education came to the same conclusion. McDonogh 42’s school performance score dropped to 62.6 this year.  BESE policy mandates that schools scoring below 65 after their fourth year be stripped of their charters.  This will most likely result in a new charter management organization taking over the school.

Responding to a Dec. 6 article about the charter’s loss, Board President Roslyn Smith wrote a letter to the editor of The Times-Picayune in which she urged greater flexibility.

The board reached a quorum halfway through the meeting when member Carol McCree arrived.  The board then voted to approve three agenda items and the minutes from their Oct 27. and Nov. 19 meetings.  The items included accepting the monthly financial statements, the school’s audit, and approving offers of employment to a math teacher, a substitute and a contracted social worker.

The quorum also allowed the board to enter into executive session to discuss a pending case involving allegations that a teacher physically abused a student in the hallways.  Case 2011-9047 was filed in Civil District Court. After the executive session the board approved a motion to authorize CEO Cynthia Williams to forward the complaint to TSCA’s insurer for coverage and recommendation.

In school updates, board members learned that the new roof is almost complete and the contractor is also going to fix holes and divots in the pavement caused by their machinery.  After the winter break the school will focus on upcoming LEAP and iLEAP testing.  Plans include increasing tutoring time, creating and giving practice tests, a “Leap question of the day” and extra time for reading intervention.  The school held its Christmas program last week and had a toy raffle for students.

The meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m. began at 11:32 a.m. and ended at 12:41 p.m.  In addition to Smith, those present included board members Tracie Washington, Hester Cottles, Madonna Green, and Carol McCree.  Representing the school in addition to Williams were PTA President Liza Thomas and CPA Sean Bruno. Five members of the general public were also present.