In one of his many fine recent columns on crime, Times-Picayune columnist Jarvis DeBerry wrote (my emphases): [New Orleans Police Superintendent Ronal] Serpas and his predecessor have both struggled to explain why things are particularly bad here. [Former Superintendent] Warren Riley wondered if there isn’t something in the water. Serpas hasn’t said anything so bizarre, […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Gala on 'Oz' theme anchors fundraising drive; campus move proves trouble-free
The return of Edward Hynes Charter to the Lakeview area provided a celebratory theme for the school’s fundraising gala, Feb. 4. , At their monthly meeting Jan. 23, principal Michelle Douglas told the school’s board of directors that the gala, titled “There’s No Place Like Home,” was a spin-off of the “Wizard of Oz” and […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
NORD Commission picks new director; interim chief kept after national search
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission tonight appointed interim director Vic Richard as its new chief executive after a special hearing where the four finalists were interviewed. All but one member of the commission, Bobby Garron, who abstained, voted for Richard’s appointment. The commission hired a headhunter […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Board meeting agenda released
Below is a reprint of the agenda items from New Orleans College Prep’s board meeting agenda: New Orleans College Preparatory Academies Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm 3520 Dryades St., 3rd Floor New Orleans, LA 70115 Agenda Item I. Call to Order & Agenda II. Minutes Approval III. […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Sheriff's deputy indicted after inmate says officer forced him to perform oral sex in jail
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer| A former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s deputy accused in September of forcing an inmate to perform oral sex after handcuffing him and taking him to a jail closet has been indicted on charges of second-degree kidnapping, sexual battery and malfeasance in office. Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman fired former Sheriff’s Deputy […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Because of Winn-Dixie: City lets grocery add vehicle crossing over pedestrian greenway
Click to enlarge. The city has agreed to let Winn-Dixie cross the proposed Lafitte Greenway in one direction, from the mail lot into the satellite lot, despite objections from greenway supporters. Map courtesy of Google Maps. By Ariella Cohen and Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writers | Over the objections of Lafitte Greenway advocates, Mayor Mitch Landrieu […]
Posted inOpinion
Looking past gaffes in 'czar' Blakely's memoir of Katrina recovery
By Jed Horne, The Lens news editor | It’s too bad that Ed Blakely’s book about his two years as New Orleans “recovery czar” is so full of sloppy mistakes. (“Blacks didn’t have permission to march in Mardi Gras blackface parades until the 1970s.”) Howlers like that undermine his credibility. Equally unfortunate: They have inspired […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
New retirement plan and techno contract are under study; public presses for transparency
Over 50 parents, teachers, and community members attended the Algiers Charter School Association’s monthly board meeting, Jan. 31, many asking for additional transparency as board members took steps toward a new teacher retirement plan and technology services. Larry Hammond, the great-uncle of a student at Martin Behrman Elementary, asked why the board did not provide […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Board approved to take over two additional schools, but delays final decision
Choice Foundation, operators of Lafayette Academy and Esperanza Charter School, has been approved to charter two more schools, McDonogh 42 and a yet to be named school in Jefferson Parish, the Choice board of directors said at their monthly meeting, Feb.1. Board President James Huger said that while the foundation has been given the “all […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Interim ANet scores reveal weakness in mathematics; principal evaluations about to begin
Directors of the Capital One-New Beginnings Charter School Network discussed audit findings and mid-term testing results as they met Jan. 31 for the first time since October. The meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. began at 5:20 p.m. without a quorum. The board did not reach a quorum until member Avione Pichon arrived at 5:28 p.m. […]