By Jessica Williams, The Lens staff writer | The City Council began its three-week budget-review process Tuesday, with council members learning how much of $494 million in general-fund cash will come from property taxes, and hearing how the finance department intends to spend a proposed $50 million chunk of that money. The day began with […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Hynes hits two-year performance goal in just one year; December calendar tweaked for move
Edward Hynes Charter School remains on schedule to move to its new campus the week of Dec. 19, the school’s principal said during October’s monthly board meeting. In her report to the board at the Oct. 24 meeting, Principal Michelle Douglas said Hynes will adjust its academic calendar by canceling school on Friday and Monday, […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Performance scores rise despite influx of students from low-performing elementary schools
The KIPP New Orleans school board, which manages six schools in New Orleans, held its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 20, with all members present and an audience of three, including a reporter for The Lens. After going into a lengthy executive session, the board emerged to discuss school performance and finances. Executive […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Academics, attendance remain strong; funding glitch leaves $114,000 hole in the budget
Directors of Akili Academy gathered in the main annex at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24, for their monthly board meeting. Work lies ahead in bringing new students up to speed with retained students, the board was told, but progress remains strong. Attendance, at 97 percent, is excellent and the budget is healthy, the board learned, though […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Big grants announced; new grading system explained; bus routes may be cut to save money
The ReNEW Charter Schools Board of Directors met Oct. 13 at Batiste Cultural Arts Academy at Live Oak. In addition to expected updates, the meeting included presentation of a $50,000 grant from State Farm and the announcement of another $400,000 grant from the NewSchools Venture Fund. In addition to Batiste, ReNEW manages Sci Tech Academy Elementary […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
NOMMA board agenda released
Below is a copy of the draft agenda sent to The Lens in advance of tomorrow’s board meeting. === Draft New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy Board Meeting October 26¸ 2011 6:00 PM Open Meeting Meeting Agenda 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of minutes 3. Reports and Recommendations A. Finance – Budget Update 4. Old […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Red Ribbon week against drugs marked with unusual get-ups; Saints to visit next week
The Board of Crocker Arts and Technology School met Oct. 22. Members in attendance were Grisela Jackson, chairwoman; John Jones Jr., vice chairman; Shaun Rafferty, secretary; members Stephen Boyard and Edward Scharfenberg, and ex officio members Charmaine Robertson, the school’s principal, and Cherie Lopez, financial administrator. The absent board members were Simonne Robinson; John Tobler and Shauntel Butler, […]
Posted inOpinion
Relax oversight? How about protecting us from oil's ravages?
By Anne Rolfes, The Lens contributing opinion writer | Last Monday began with a bang. On my way to work I learned that Senator David Vitter and Rep. Jeff Landry were at it again — planning to meet with officials in the regional office of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, BOEMRE […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Board meeting agenda released
Review the Broadmoor Charter School Board meeting agenda here.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council set to begin budget hearings, will ultimately decide on rolling forward tax rate
By Ariella Cohen, The Lens staff writer | The New Orleans City Council will begin three weeks of hearings on Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s proposed 2012 budget at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Orleans Parish Assessor Errol Williams will kick off the annual fall rite with a presentation of how much property-tax revenue the city can expect to […]