The InspireNOLA board has announced preliminary talks with the Orleans Parish public school system to rebuild Edna Karr High School, 3332 Huntlee Drive.

Karr principal John Hiser said they must begin construction by June 30 on the building expected to cost $45 million* and house 1,100 students. Hiser said they will continue to work with the Orleans Parish School Board to work out a school size and layout appropriate for their students.

Algiers Charter Schools Association chief financial officer Charlie Mackles said that enrollment grew at both Karr and Alice M. Harte Charter School as of the state’s Oct. 1 count. Mackles assists InspireNOLA during this transitional year, now that InspireNOLA has taken over operation of Karr and Alice Harte, two former ACSA schools.

Mackles said the board will have to file a budget revision with the state because the enrollment increase will bring in enough per-pupil funds to shift the budget surplus upwards more than five percent. He said the finance committee is preparing final numbers, which it will present to the board and public at the November meeting.

The board’s next meeting will be held at Alice M. Harte Charter School, 4422 Gen. Meyer Ave., on Nov. 25.

*Earlier, this story incorrectly put the cost of the school at $145 million instead of $45 million.