The New Paradigm

Thousands of New Orleans kids will re-enter the public school system as registration begins for newly opened charter schools across town this summer. (A list of all the charter schools and their registration dates are available in a form that is easy to download at www.nolapublicschools.net). The opening of charter schools marks the latest phase in the massive realignment of the Orleans Parish Public Schools.

The realignment began when the state took over operational control of 112 out of 128 schools from the Orleans Parish School Board last November. State lawmakers, long tired of high costs and low performances in the Orleans district, transferred all public schools in New Orleans that were performing below the state average to a newly created "Recovery School District" under the aegis of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

In the wake of last November's legislative action, the educational landscape in New Orleans is hardly recognizable. In addition to the creation of a second governing authority, old schools have closed, new schools have opened, existing schools have switched buildings, and some kids have yet to return while others have relocated across the city. Amidst all those changes, the daunting task of enrolling kids, hiring teachers and repairing damaged buildings remains.

from Gambit Weekly