Kira Orange Jones qualified to run for BESE after judge denies challenge
The challenge was based on outstanding 2015 and 2017 state taxes. Jones filed them the day before qualifying for reelection.
Category: Schools
Reporting on education in New Orleans and across Louisiana. This category explores how policies, leadership, and community voices shape the experiences of students, teachers, and families—covering everything from classroom challenges to school reforms and success stories.
Kennedy HS student says he was unofficially sent home for months, describes what civil rights lawyer calls ‘blatant’ special education violations
Nicole Jones said her son was sent home after Thanksgiving break to learn on a school laptop at home, a placement that may have been done illegally.
Warren Easton football coaches battered student with ‘Big Freedia’ paddle, lawsuit says
The lawsuit says the alleged incidents caused the student lasting harm.
Fewer than half of Kennedy HS seniors who took summer courses now cleared to graduate, board president says
A review found that about 90 seniors from the class of 2019 were found ineligible to graduate. Some have been taking summer courses to graduate before the new school year begins, but only 24 of 53 have been cleared to move on by the state.
Judge denies request to produce Kennedy HS transcripts; problems at school ‘worse than we thought,’ says plaintiffs’ lawyer
A Louisiana Department of Education employee said New Beginnings was not providing all the documentation needed to certify students. Even students who took summer classes are unsure if they have earned enough credits.
A mother’s year-long fight for a gifted test reveals charters don’t have to offer services
The state department of education said charter schools are exempt from state statutes for gifted students, but they receive money extra for gifted students.
Kennedy HS lawsuit delayed in ‘shell game’, lawyer says
The hearing will likely be held Tuesday, but students' lawyer Suzette Bagneris argues time is of the essence as students may be losing scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
School zone enforcement begins after some New Orleans schools start
School zone cameras will begin issuing tickets on Aug. 12 but lower speeds can be enforced if school is in session.
Nearly all school water fountains have lead-removal filters, district says
Three years after the district first promised to test for lead in school water, 95 percent of drinking fountains have lead-removal filters.
Coghill Charter School board member resigns amid scrutiny
The Orleans Parish school district is placing staff on-site at the school following repeated problems with school finances and students' grades.
