Back in December, I advised my vast army of readers to bet on unusual permutations in the 2012 Republican primaries. So imagine this post being typed on an imaginary aircraft carrier, with a banner behind the author declaring “Weirdness Accomplished.” Tuesday night Rick Santorum not only swept GOP contests in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado, the […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Strong showing in English and social studies countered by failing scores in science and math
Update: The story has been updated to reflect the fact that officials at New Orleans College Preparatory Academy forwarded us the documents we requested regarding the CEO’s evaluation process. The February meeting of the Board at New Orleans College Preparatory Academies began with a lengthy discussion of academic goals. Director and chief executive officer Ben […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Board meeting agenda released
Click here to review the February meeting agenda.
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Parents, staff also studying French; expanded second, third grades under review
The school’s first set of French classes for parents and staff members have attracted a dozen participants, board members learned at their monthly meeting, Jan. 9. As further evidence of the popularity of French-immersion education, the recent application process, now closed, drew 31 candidates for second grade and 17 for third, even though the Lycée […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
New school head calls teacher quality key to educational success; board eyes bio-district link
The New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High board meeting, on Feb. 2, welcomed Dick Best as the school’s new director and expressed hope that outgoing school director Barbara MacPhee will quickly regain her strength. MacPhee fell and was hospitalized recently with a broken leg, board members were advised. Laney French, school administrator, was elected […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Hornets, Saints team up to help with recruitment and literacy drives; LEAP tests loom
Marketing, branding and student recruitment were the major themes at the board’s monthly meeting, Feb. 6. Edgar P. Harney Elementary’s chief executive officer, Eileen Williams, put it this way: It’s imperative to do “all we can do to sell our school,” – a view embraced by board members as well as by the school’s chief […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Opinion
To fight violent crime, New Orleans may need to get the lead out
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. […]