Avis Williams, currently the superintendent of Selma City Schools in Alabama, will take the lead at NOLA Public Schools in mid-July.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council members considering subpoena to Cantrell admin for details on Gordon Plaza plan
Council members and Gordon Plaza residents both criticized the administration for providing few details of its plan while taking public credit for taking action.
Posted inSchools
New NOLA Public Schools superintendent offered $300K per year
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on its committee’s recommendation at its meeting on Thursday
Posted inCriminal Justice
Vera Institute proposes additional spending on prevention, rather than arrests and prosecution, to tackle violent crime
Group says the city should use federal funds for mental health treatment, violence intervention programming.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City releases new information on ‘smart cities’ project after council subpoena
The four-page letter does not address many of the council’s questions and concerns, but it does provide more information about the plan than was previously available.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council president subpoenas Cantrell administration over ‘smart cities’ deal
The Cantrell administration is now considering beginning the project — originally pitched as a multiyear contract — with a one-year agreement, which would not require council approval.
Posted inSchools
Court proposes ‘probationary period’ for special education oversight; SPLC objects
A federal judge denied the Southern Poverty Law Center’s request to make a formal objection.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 164: ‘There’s no magic’
Magic Johnson pitches a ‘smart cities’ deal. A potential end to federal monitoring of special education in New Orleans. And a city panel decides to give much-criticized jail healthcare contractor Wellpath another chance.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Judge threatens contempt for city officials over Phase III delays
The judge said he will likely give the city until mid-May to complete a required FEMA report.
Posted inSchools
City Council approves agreement to send $1.5 m annually to NOLA Public Schools
A new millage, if approved by voters later this month, will raise $21 million annually for 1,000 new early childhood education seats.