The Lens has been honored as the best online news operation for audio investigative reporting in a four-state region by the Radio Television Digital News Association. The Lens received the 2012 regional Edward R. Murrow first-place award for our story on the struggles of one 9th Ward homeowner, Kisa Holmes. The story documented Holmes’ struggles […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Recruitment drive flies high as new school nears completion; 'blueberry smurf' furniture on order
Fannie C. Williams has received a combined total of over $300,000 in grants from the Public Charter School Program and the Walton Foundation, board members learned at their monthly meeting, April 10 . The school is also pursuing funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation as a participant in the foundation’s Challenge for a […]
Posted inOpinion
Hard work ahead: Making 'good enough' schools truly excellent
Nearly 80 percent of New Orleans public school students attend charter schools, more than in any other city in America. That puts us on the cutting edge of a nationwide school reform effort. But what makes New Orleans even more striking is this: to date, we’ve led the nation in our willingness to transform low-performing […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Board votes to withdraw from state pension plan; search is on for best 403(b) alternative
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.