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. […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
NOPD ends controversial practice of releasing criminal records of homicide victims
Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas announced today he will no longer release the arrest records of homicide victims, reversing a controversial and unevenly applied practice.
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Move to new school gains momentum; 8th-graders dream of D.C.; LEAP tests loom
Milestone/SABIS Academy will proceed with acquisition of 5.5 acres in Gentilly as the site for a new school, board members learned at their January meeting. Board member Lorin Crenshaw said the facilities committee will proceed to evaluate the construction firms that have expressed interest in the project. Local and national firms have been asked to […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Wilson asks for modular classrooms as board debates rate of expansion and school takeovers
With the school’s Olivier Street campus on lockdown as the result of a fatal shooting in the neighborhood, the board of the International School of Louisiana gathered on Jan. 25 for a three-hour meeting at the school’s Camp Street campus. Head of schools Sean Wilson gave a presentation about ISL’s current and future expansion plans. […]
Posted inOpinion
A tree grows in Orleans — in fact 10,000 new ones since Katrina
In December 2006, it was another dreary day for a crestfallen city shrouded in fog, but the honking of horns, the whoops from drivers, the volunteers jumping from their cars in business suits all gave energy to a tree-planting effort along Elysian Fields Avenue. For many, it was the first solid sign of recovery, a […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Parents meet new school leaders
Despite a vow by a failed charter operator to fight the state’s revocation of its contract to run McDonogh No. 42, , an attitude of cordiality prevailed at tonight’s open-house to introduce parents to the new charter operator. Treme Charter School Association officials, who will continue running the school for the next several months, warmly […]