Operation REACH, Inc., the troubled education nonprofit, failed to properly account for nearly $900,000 in grant money received over three years, some of which may have been misspent, according to an audit by the federal agency that awarded the cash. The New Orleans-based nonprofit’s questionable spending was “unsupported by required documentation and/or incurred improperly,” according […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Hurricane alert: Keeping your cool likely to get harder and harder
How was your Labor Day weekend? Mine was hot, dark and wet. A confounded, slow-moving tempest knocked out my electricity and exposed leaks around my windows. After a couple days of sweating and mopping up, my wife and I decided to consume all the beer in the fridge, before it got warm. Emergency measures, you […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Teachers grouse about building conditions now worsened by Hurricane Isaac
Frustration over the slow pace repairs to the Einstein building, a problem exacerbated by Hurricane Isaac, boiled over at a meeting of the board, Sept. 4. “Enough is enough,” several teachers and principal Shawn Toranto told board president Ryan Bennett. The building’s roof replacement was put on hold this summer after an issue with the […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Is mayor's office dragging its feet over jailhouse consent decree?
As Hurricane Isaac was making its way across the Gulf of Mexico two weeks ago, Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman was meeting in New Orleans with officials from the U.S. Department of Justice to work on a long anticipated consent decree to remedy unconstitutional conditions at the city jail complex. But Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s administration […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Poor performance on tests could zap charter renewal process, board fears
At its monthly meeting, Aug. 25, the board of Crocker Arts and Technology School addressed the possibility that low test scores may scuttle renewal of its charter. Crocker will receive a final site visit from the Recovery School District on Sept. 11, at which point a recommendation will be made on whether the school’s charter […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Einstein board meeting agenda released
Review the agenda for the Sept. 4 meeting here.
Posted inOpinion
Are traffic stops for expired plates the best use of NOPD after storm?
After driving up South Carrollton Avenue through the major intersections of Claiborne Avenue, Earhart Boulevard and Canal Street, I watched drivers struggle at each four-way stop without traffic signals. Certainly, the New Orleans Police Department had better things to do in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac than direct traffic. Then I found out what they […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Nearly half of OPP inmates are shipped out or released
As Tropical Storm Isaac churns up the Gulf of Mexico, Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman said today that he shipped nearly half the prisoners held at Orleans Parish Prison to state facilities around Louisiana. In a statement, Gusman said he had moved 1,037 prisoners overnight from FEMA-built jails built in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. […]
Posted inEnvironment, Investigations
Failed pumps at Corps pumping station could increase Mid-City flooding risk
With Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on New Orleans, one of three key Army Corps of Engineers pumping stations that help drain the city during a storm is only at partial capacity – far less than what is needed to keep the Orleans Avenue Canal from filling. The city’s Sewerage & Water Board pumping station […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
ACSA interim CEO pledges improved communication
Algiers Charter Schools Association interim CEO Adrian Morgan presented a plan for improved communication, collaboration, and coordination at the association’s board meeting Thursday night at Algiers Technology Academy. Morgan, who has been on the job for only 14 days, pointed to meetings with community groups, parents, and staff as a key to overcoming the strained […]