The Lens (https://thelensnola.org/school/encore-academy/)
New Orleans has become a case study in how children and families are affected by decentralization of public education and mental health systems. The problem is particularly urgent because more schoolchildren suffer from mental health issues here than in other parts of the country.
Encore Academy’s board will hold a public hearing on the school’s 2014-15 budget today at 6 p.m. in the Crocker Elementary building, 2301 Marengo St. The arts-oriented Orleans Parish School Board charter expects to move to a new building in time for the coming school year, the former John A. Shaw Elementary in the St.
It will cost $30 million to bring students to and from public schools this year, compared to $18 million the year before Katrina. The increase appears to be a consequence of citywide enrollment and the shift from a centrally-run school system. A few schools are working together to negotiate busing contracts.
ENCORE Academy will remain in its building for another year, giving the board more time to discuss adding priority zip codes to its charter and allowing the school to easily manage its own enrollment process for the additional year. “We’ve been invited to stay in this building another year,” school leader Terri Smith told the school’s board Tuesday at its regular meeting.
Encore Academy, one of the first charter schools approved by the Orleans Parish School Board since the board chartered the bulk of its schools following Hurricane Katrina, is ready for the 2012-2013 school year, board members announced Tuesday at their monthly meeting. The type-one charter school, which shares an Uptown campus with the new state-of-the-art Crocker Arts and Technology School, opens for classes on August 13.
By Jessica Williams, The Lens staff writer |
Only two of seven charter applications were tentatively approved by the Orleans Parish School Board Tuesday night, despite vigorous support by some board members and audience members. Encore Academy and Citizens’ Committee for Education will revise their financial and organizational plans, hoping to win full approval to open new schools as early as next academic year.
