Quality schools

Our goal is that every school – whether charter or traditional – must be a high-performing, quality school.

What?

New Orleans has endured failing schools for long enough. Before Katrina, 63% of students in New Orleans attended failing schools.
Our goal is that every school – whether charter or traditional – must be a high-performing, quality school.

How?

• Schools must focus on continuous improvement
• Previously failing schools will progress to a D and then to C letter grade
• All Schools in New Orleans must be held to the same performance standards. The management of schools that are still failing after four years — traditional or charter — should be transferred to a new operating entity shown to have a proven track record
• Failing charter schools should not be able to renew their charters

Public school choice and equitable access

What?

Public schools in New Orleans must continue to allow students and families to select their own schools.

How?

• Students are not assigned to schools; rather families select the school for their children
• Parents and guardians must have easy access to information about all public school options and operations
• The selection and enrollment process must be easy to understand, transparent, and equitable
• All schools should provide services for students with special needs
• All schools must provide transportation

Equitable distribution of resources

What?

All students deserve equal funding; regardless of whether they choose to attend a charter or traditional school. Additionally, all schools need facilities that further their educational mission.

How?

• Students with comparable needs should have comparable funding
• Money must follow the student such that schools receive funds based on their enrollment
• Newly renovated or built facilities should be equitably distributed between charter, traditional, open-admission, and selective-admission schools

Sound financial operations

What?

Financial responsibility and accountability must underlie all decisions of involved parties

How?

The Recovery School District, Orleans Parish School Board, and charter school operators must maintain financial discipline and not spend more than they receive in funding