The Akili Academy board announced that increases in per pupil spending, new teacher hires, and increased retirement spending will greatly impact next year’s budget, effective July 1. The budget is expected to be $3.7 million, a $1.2 million increase from last year. This is expected to be the last time the Akili Academy board plans […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
International School of Louisiana budget increases with addition of Jefferson Parish school
The board of directors for the International School of Louisiana announced a 113% increase for the anticipated 2012-2013 operating budget in relation to the acquisition of a charter for a school in Jefferson Parish and increased enrollment at its Camp and Olivier street campuses. Next year’s operating budget is $14.6 million, up from last year’s […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Council's Criminal Justice leaders mum on possible new jail
The co-chairwomen of the City Council’s Criminal Justice Committee on Monday declined to comment on a new jail under consideration by the Landrieu administration and Sheriff Marlin Gusman that would add up to 650 beds to the Orleans Parish Prison complex. The Lens asked councilwomen Susan Guidry and Jackie Clarkson about their stance on the […]
Posted inSchools
Recovery School District unveils disadvantaged business program
Socially and economically disadvantaged businesses gained another ally Monday when the state-run Recovery School District announced the creation of a program aimed at improving their odds of obtaining school construction contracts The new policy says that the district should make every effort to ensure that 25 percent of all construction work is provided by disadvantaged […]
Posted inSchools
CEO of New Beginnings charter network stepping down this week
The chief executive officer of New Beginnings Schools Foundations, one of New Orleans’ largest charter-school operators, announced her resignation today, just a month after the organization lost another top executive. The Capital One New Beginnings network is now searching for a chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Chief Executive Officer Vera […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
KIPP / Believe 2012-2013 budget and June 21 board meeting agenda
KIPP / Believe Charter School’s planned 2012-2013 budget can be viewed here. The June 21 board meeting agenda with a detailed PowerPoint presentation can be seen here.
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
KIPP’s 2012-2013 budget leaves little room for error
KIPP’s board of directors met Thursday, June 21, to approve the budget for the 2012-2013 school year. With only a 1-percent budget surplus expected, increased revenues from fundraising, including $400,000 from new donors and $2.1 million in philanthropic gifts, will be crucial. “I’m vehemently opposed to balancing a budget on the backs of fundraisers; it’s […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Sophie B. Wright approved school budget months ago, apparently failed to make required public announcements
The Sophie B. Wright Board announced an 8-percent increase for its 2012-2013 operating budget.Despite state open meetings laws, which require public bodies to give ten days’ notice before presenting a budget and which require public discussion before a budget can be passed, the board of Sophie B. Wright apparently hastily approved a budget in a […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Ben Franklin High leaders in disagreement over how to manage growing student population
Board members and administrators at Ben Franklin squabbled at the June 21 board meeing and failed to reach an agreement as the school discusses possible solutions to accommodate its rapidly growing student body. Principal Timothy Rusnak expressed concerns for the school’s 803 students. According to Rusnak, the school is at its capacity, and overcrowding will […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
ARISE Academy discusses plans for temporary move, renovations
At the end of the 2012-2013 school year, ARISE Academy will temporarily move from its current location to allow for year-long renovations, according to an announcement from the board at its monthly board meeting in June. The school will be the sole occupant in its current space, currently shared with Drew Elementary, for the 2012-2013 school […]