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 […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Strong start: new teachers and rising enrollment, but bus problems persist
Optimism and enthusiasm abounded as the McDonogh City Park Academy board met Aug. 21 to kick off the new school year. “What a difference a year makes,” board member Jim Nelson said, reflecting on a recent stroll through the school. His colleagues shared similar impressions based on last week’s meet and greet for parents, staff […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
East bank District C residents lead their own budget forum
What if you had a public forum on city budget planning, but no city officials got involved? Organizers of tonight’s ad hoc resident-led meeting for City Council District C found that things are fairly smooth, productive and civil. The hourlong session led to suggestions very much in line with those heard at the official budget […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Let’s hear it for the city’s new champions: our acro-gymnasts
The fast-rising sport combines athleticism with the grace and musicality of dance. photo: Wikipedia Before I push the corporal punishment issue further with a follow-up to last week’s post, I wanted to update a sports story I’ve been following. This spring I learned that New Orleans is becoming a leader in acrobatic gymnastics, a rapidly […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Mayor cuts back budget forums, so neighbors plan their own
East bank residents of New Orleans City Council District C are holding their own town-hall meeting tonight regarding the city’s proposed 2013 budget after Mayor Mitch Landrieu departed from previous years’ practice and decided not to hold such a meeting in their area. In each of the past two years, Landrieu has held seven community […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
New campus wins plaudits and yields savings; recruitment continues
The Milestone/SABIS board approved the 2012-13 operating budget and introduced a new president at its first meeting of the new school year, Aug. 20. Lorin Crenshaw, former vice president, replaces Leslie Ellison as president. Nayita Wilson is the new vice president. Ellison is running for a fourth-district seat on the Orleans Parish School Board. Crenshaw thanked […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Budget foresees higher revenues balanced by rise in faculty costs, special ed
The ARISE Academy board expects a 26 percent increase in 2012-13 revenues to be offset by spending for new staff to instruct additional students, a growing number of them students with special needs. The annual budget hearing was held Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. Board members Jen Walcott, Larry Eustis, Elaine Reyes, Katie Beck and […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Big jump in performance score anticipated as school awaits OK on charter extension
At the board’s first meeting of the new school year, ARISE Academy principal Andrew Shahan reported that he expects an 11 point increase in the school’s performance score when the state releases final figures in several weeks. Currently, the school’s performance score is 67.1, short of the state’s acceptable minimum of 75. ARISE is in […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Draft budget projects trimmed expenses and a surplus despite enrollment gain
The recently released 2012-13 budget for Lagniappe Academies projects a year-end surplus, with expenses dipping even as enrollment rises. With revenues projected at $2.1 and expenses at $2 million, Lagniappe envisions an $87,654 surplus at the end of the coming year. It would allow the school to make up for last year’s deficit and begin […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Crime chief proposing more money for pretrial screening
New Orleans’ criminal justice commissioner said Wednesday he wants to more than triple the city money provided to the Vera Institute for Justice’s pretrial services program at Orleans Parish Prison. The program is designed to help assess the flight risk and danger to the community that an arrestee poses. The organization’s recommendation is forwarded to […]