The Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education, Inc., which governs Ben Franklin High School, released the agenda for tomorrow’s board meeting (reprinted below). Regular Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, December 15, 2011 4:00 PM Benjamin Franklin High School Library Meeting is open to the general public Agenda 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Teachers fight layoffs as board targets deficits
Just outside the gates of the navy base that was formerly a pillar of the Algiers neighborhood, teachers wonder what their future might be in a rapidly changing school system. The Algiers Charter School Association, which now runs eight schools in the community, is looking to cut 30 positions to keep a balanced budget and […]
Posted inLand Use
Want to have a say in how government works? Two meetings seek suggestions
By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writer | Two events intended to foster greater community participation in New Orleans government activities will take place this week. Residents can learn Wednesday about how other cities get the public involved in making budget decisions. On Thursday, people can offer suggestions on a city plan to create a […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
New State Street campus offers room to grow; La Liaison school fair nets $2,000
The board of Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans has found a new home, at 631 State Street, and arranged a long-term lease with St. Francis of Assisi Church. This location is convenient for the many Lycée families who live close by and the new building, with a capacity for upwards of 500 students, gives the […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Common Core to replace LEAP-based curriculum after three-year phase-in
A curriculum change is imminent. At its monthly meeting on Dec. 10, the Advocates for Arts Based Education Corp., the board governing Lusher Charter School, discussed the school’s planned switch from LEAP test standards to standards associated with the Common Core. Patty Glaser, the assistant head of school, said Lusher plans the shift over the […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Board backs 3% raise for school employees; debate team places 4th at Tulane
A three percent raise is in the works for Einstein Charter School faculty. “It is something that the teachers deserve,” James Pineda, the board’s newest member, said. “It will help with retention and morale.” The raises, approved at the board’s monthly meeting, Dec. 6, will take effect in January. The staff has not had a raise […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Sheriff's Office special taxing district to hold hearing on 2012 budget; little info available
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | A little-scrutinized but powerful government body run by Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman is holding a public hearing on its budget on Friday, though scant information on the budget has been made available. The organization is the taxpayer financed Orleans Parish Law Enforcement District. By law, the […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Improving school performance hinges on parental involvement; campus move in the offing
As the date draws near for moving to a new building, the board of Crocker Arts and Technology School is addressing critical issues, including the student performance score. At the their monthly meeting, Dec. 10, board members discussed what needs to happen in the next few months before the school moves from a few bocks […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Poor attendance jacks up student failure rate – but what to do about it?
Discussion of the school’s Response to Intervention report dominated the Dec. 8 monthly meeting of the New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High board. The report takes a close look at Sci High’s student achievement levels through the first half of the year. Of the schools 370 students, 182 are currently failing at least one […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Romney a GOP lock? Unpredictability is only sure thing in politics
Political upsets warm my soul. They’re comforting reminders that the election game isn’t hopelessly rigged towards incumbents and wealthy interests. A voter can still enter a curtained booth on Election Day and push a button to throw the bums out… even if it’s only to replace them with new bums. Before you roll your eyes […]