Author: Marta Jewson

About Marta Jewson: Marta Jewson covers education in New Orleans for The Lens. She began her reporting career covering charter schools for The Lens and helped found the hyperlocal news site Mid-City Messenger. Jewson returned to New Orleans in the fall of 2014 after covering education for the St. Cloud Times in Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with majors in journalism and social welfare and a concentration in educational policy studies. Jewson has covered New Orleans schools for 15 years through the nation's largest education reform experiment. She was a founding member of the outlet's Charter School Reporting Corps and was instrumental in holding schools accountable to sunshine laws during the rapid expansion of charter schools in the city.

The board also extended the contract of a consultant hired to create its budget.

Michelle Blouin-Williams was the lone recommended candidate from a hired search firm.

Michelle Blouin-Williams was the only candidate interviewed by the New Beginnings committee.

Longtime employee wants Civil Service to overturn city's recommendation to fire her.

Teachers last month voted seek collective bargaining, but school argues that vote shouldn't have been allowed.

The school's board could continue fight, as Lusher did, by appealing federal decision.

Board member said it was an oversight; school leader said agenda matters weren't urgent.

Though teachers soundly defeated union, paraprofessionals approved and could push for contract.

New tack comes just six weeks before current chief steps down.

Continuing union questions, legal budget discussed amid heated atmosphere.

Our reporting has more urgency than ever.