Akili Academy has found a new principal, ending a six-month search.

Allison Lowe, a New Orleans native who serves as the school’s fourth- through sixth-grade director of curriculum and instruction, will take the role July 1.

Akili Academy principal Allison Lowe
Akili Academy principal Allison Lowe

Lowe replaces Julie MacFetters, who left the principal’s position in December to become a second-grade teacher. MacFetters’ resignation came two months* after Akili’s 2013 school performance score was released, showing a decline of more than 10 points from 2012.

Crescent City Schools CEO Kate Mehok served as the school’s interim principal during the search. Crescent City runs Akili, Harriet Tubman Charter School, and Paul Habans Charter School.

Though this is Lowe’s second year with Crescent City Schools, she has more than 11 years of teaching experience, in public schools in Virginia and at the University of New Orleans. This is her first year running a school.

“I am humbled and honored to serve our great scholars and families at Akili Academy,” Lowe said in a statement. “I am looking forward to seeing what our scholars will achieve next year, and in many years to come.”

*Correction: A previous version of this story said Julie MacFetters resigned two weeks after Akili’s performance scores were announced. MacFetters resigned two months after that event. (June 10, 2014)

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