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 […]
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 […]