The school’s board of directors has decided to seek an alternative to the expensive state-run pension plan, the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL). Sean Bruno, a certified public accountant, and Tony Monk, of the Morgan Stanley investment firm, addressed the board at its April 10 monthly meeting to explain the difference between defined-benefit retirement […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Move east entails new computers, community engagement, staff hires; budget is in balance
Pride College Prep’s impending move to eastern New Orleans was a focus of discussion at the board of directors’ monthly meeting, April 10. In other business, the board welcomed a prospective new member, Linda Launey. Launey will participate in board activities for a month while she decides whether to accept the position. In the meantime, […]
Posted inOpinion, Schools
National spotlight on creationist law promises ridicule for Louisiana
Defenders of the Louisiana Science Education Act often pose as friends of free inquiry. They argue that high school science teachers should be permitted to teach their students “all sides” of controversial topics such as evolution. The scientific community largely disagrees and says there is no productive debate to be had about basic evolutionary theory. […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Gusman closes House of Detention
Surrounded by deputies, Orleans Parish Sherriff Marlin Gusman announced today that he is closing the Orleans Parish Prison House of Detention facility on Perdido Street. He said the move is based in part on “the mounting criticisms” and the “inspections by the federal people.”
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
EdisonLearning dismissed; mission statement under review; summer arts camp seeks funds
Starting with the next school year Andrew H. Wilson Charter School will handle all educational services in-house rather than use EdisonLearning Inc., the for-profit company that has performed that role for the past five years. The shift has been under discussion by the board since it was first proposed in December by principal Logan Crowe. At […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Stressful incidents noted as students – and parents – gear for LEAP; two hires OK'd
Success Prep was gearing up for the state’s high-stakes LEAP test not just by coaching students but also by guiding parents on how to help their kids succeed, the school’s board of directors was advised at their monthly meeting, April 5. Parents were being coached in approaches ranging from advice on test-day breakfast to where […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
ReNEW Schools board meeting agenda released
Review the agenda for the April 12 meeting here.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Demolition order raises tricky question: When is a rundown shotgun really a signpost?
By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writer | One of the great philosophical conundrums of our time played out before the Neighborhood Conservation Committee this week: when is a house a billboard (and vice versa.) At issue was the city’s desire to demolish a blighted Ninth Ward shotgun alongside the old concrete bridge that carries […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
The Lens honored for reporting on medication of juvenile inmates across state facilities
By Maggie Calmes, The Lens staff writer | The Lens criminal justice reporter Matt Davis returned last week to his hometown of Croydon, South London – but not before receiving laurels from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. Davis received a 2011 Prevention for a Safer Society Award from the organization for his story […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Summer school canceled; alternatives will be arranged; board ponders bylaws, budget
Einstein’s board of directors elected a new vice president and discussed bylaw revisions and a new budget policy at their monthly meeting, April 3. The board nominated and elected member Ryan Bennett as vice president, he was not in attendance. The board also approved minutes of the March meeting. Principal Shawn Toranto and assistant business […]