Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin Reports to Federal Prison

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin reported to the minimum-securitiy federal prison in Texarakana, TX yesterday morning to begin his 10-year sentence stemming from corruption charges. The former mayor maintained innocence throughout the trial and will allegedly be appealing the ruling, albeit from behind bars. Joined by his family, Nagin arrived at the facility approximately 10 minutes before the noon deadlines set for him to appear. 

Read more about Nagin's trial and NOLA.com's ongoing coverage of the former mayor here.

It was a relatively uneventful end to the turbulant and very public trial of the mayor that was the city's most visible leader during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2006. In the wake of the storm, many residents rallied around the mayor, who was a vocal critic of the state and federal recovery efforts in the Crescent City. However, the mayor's reputation is now largely tarnished due to the bribery and fraud charges he was convicted of earlier this year. Nagin was found guilty on 20 of 21 charges in February. 

The prospect of an appeal, however, could be somewhat unlikely, given the financial duress that Nagin and his family made public throughout his trail. Although Nagin was once a highly paid executive for Entergy, the local utility in Lousiana (making as much as $400,000 at the peak of his tenure), Nagin claims that his current bank account is all but exhausted:

In a letter to U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan before he was sentenced in July, Nagin's wife said he had been unable to find work, and the family was collecting food stamps to make ends meet. On financial forms he submitted last week in order to be appointed a public defender to handle his appeal, Nagin said he had $23.65 in his bank account.

And over the summer, Nagin's attorney officially resigned from the case, stating he wouldn't lead any appeal process on account of his client being unable to afford the legal services.

Check back to www.joeylehrman.net for ongoing coverage of the appeals process. 

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Flood Advisory for Metro Area

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

A flood advisory has been issued for Kenner, Metairie, Avondale, and Norther Jefferson Parish until 3pm today. Stay safe and dry out there!

The National Weather Service issued the notice early this morning; the advisory includes urban and small stream flood notices for northern Jefferson Parish, including Metairie, Kenner and Avondale, until 3 p.m. 

At 12:55 p.m., meteorologists with the Slidell office of the National Weather Service detected a band of showers and thunderstorms over Metairie and upper Jefferson Parish.. Radar estimates indicate that up to 2 inches of rain had fallen over parts of Metairie during the past few hours.

"Many secondary streets will likely succumb to nuisance street flooding," said the advisory mesage. "Additional rainfall will maintain the threat of street flooding through 3 p.m." 

That concern is borne out by radio messages reporting street flooding at various locations during the past hour by Kenner police and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office deputies.

Stay safe and dry out there! And send in your storm pics if you've gotten any; I've seem some remarkable photos and posts already today from some of my followers.

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Ray Nagin Sentencing Delayed until July 2

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

Former Mayor Ray Nagin will be sentenced on July 2nd.

In a somewhat unfortunate ruling on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Giner Berrigan granted a delay in former Mayor Ray Nagin's sentencing. Nagin, who was set to be sentenced on June 11th, was allowed a 3-week delayed and he will now face sentencing on July 2nd. Nagin's legal team calimed they needed more time to review a "pre-senting investigation report".

Such reports, issued by the U.S. Probation Department, delve into the defendant's background and alleged offenses, and they serve as an aid for judges as they consider how much prison time and fines to mete out at sentencing.

Prosecurtors were disappointed by the ruling, especially since they claimed that issues with these reports are supposed to be filed within 2 weeks of its release. In Nagin's case, the report was filed on May 7th. 

Regardless of the delay in sentencing, it has become clear that Nagin will likely face a severe penalty stemming from 20 counts of public corruption during his time in office. Nagin was found guilty on all charges, and legal experts familair with sentencing guidelines believe that the former mayor will face up to 20 years in prison. 

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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New Orleans 2014 Primary Election Results

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

Mayor Mitch Landrieu celebrates his re-election as Mayor of New Orleans

Mayor Mitch Landrieu easily won his bid for another 4 years as the mayor of New Orleans, earning a considerable majority with nearly 63 percent of the vote, dramatically beating Michael Bagneris (34 percent) and Danatus King (3 percent). While pundits speculated that the primary race could extend to a runoff, those predictions turned out to be just that: speculation.

In other races from Saturday's primary:

• At-Large: Stacy Head was re-elected to an at-large seat; 
• At-Large: Cythia Hedge-Morrell and Jason Williams will head to a runoff for the second at-large seat; 
• District A: Susan Guidry was easily re-elected in District A; 
• District C: Jackie Clarkson and former Judge Nadine Ramsey will square off for the Distric C seat; 
• District D: State Rep. Jared Brossett defeated Joseph Bouie and Dalton Savwoir, Jr. for the Distrct D seat; 
• District E: and James Gray will retain his seat in Dsitrict E.

None of the candidates earned a clear majority (50+1) in the other two closely watched races, with Marlin Gusman and Charles Foti seeking the Sheriff's post, and Dwight McKenna will meet Jeffrey Rouse in their bids to be New Orleans' next coroner.

All runoffs will be held on Saturday March 15, 2014. Stay tuned to www.nola.com and www.joeylehrman.net for ongoing election coverage.

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Louisiana Teacher Tenure Law Ruled Unconstitutional...Again

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

In a ruling confirming an earlier decision, Judge R. Michael Caldwell of the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge once again struck down the law known as "Act 1", stating that it violated Louisiana "single object" clause, a part of state's constitution that bars legislating on several issues through one law. The decision is seen as a victory for the state's teachers unions and as another defeat for Governor Jindal and his attempt to overhaul many parts of Louisiana's education system.

Act 1, which was passed by the Legislature during the 2012 Regular Session, deals with many aspects of the education system, including:

• school control
• teacher tenure
• pay for performance and evaluation
• superintendent and school board duties
• layoffs
• contracts
• teacher salaries
• teacher hiring/firing
• teacher tenure

This is the second time that Judge Caldwell has struck down the law. The first ruling came in March 2013, and the State Supreme Court asked Judge Caldwell to review his ruling at the same time that the Court struck down the funding mechanism for Governor Jindal's controversial expansion of the school vouchers program (also known as Act 2).

Click here to follow Lauren McGaughy's coverage of the ruling on NOLA.com | The Times Picayune 

Today, Judge Caldwell clarified his March ruling and stuck with the original decision:  "I am still of the opinion that the Act violates the 'single object' requirement and is thus unconstitutional in its entirety."

Governor Jindal's office quickly responded to the ruling and defeat with the following statement:

'We believe (the law) is Constitutional and we are going to appeal to the Supreme Court,' said Jindal. 'These reforms are constitutional and will help improve Louisiana schools for children and families across the state. The law rewards effective teachers for their hard work and ensures that we have a great teacher in the classroom so that our children have the opportunity succeed.'

In an extension of his explanation, Judge Caldwell claimed that there wasn't enough of a unifying theme between the various parts of the law, and it thus violates the Single Object rule:

The new case law, Caldwell said, ensures the single object rule doesn't restrict the breadth of a bill 'as long as the parts of the bill are naturally related.' While he agreed the many parts of Act 1 did have 'some meager semblances of a uniting theme' -- which he identified as issues relating to "teacher effectiveness" -- Caldwell said he could not find that theme apparent in all of its parts or its title.

While this seems to be a victory for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, which has been opposed to much of the governor's educational legislation, LFT President Steve Monaghan remained humble in his public statements on Wednesday, suggesting that LFT and teachers throughout the state are eager to work with lawmakers to revamp the legislation into something that is both legal and work for schools, teachers, and students around the state.

Stay tuned to www.joeylehrman.net and www.nola.com for further developments relating to the Act 1 ruling, including a press conference scheduled for this afternoon by State Superintendent of Education, John White. 

The 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Staying Cool New Orleans Style with Joey Lehrman

 By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

Sunday night's regional temperatures

It's unlikely (if not impossible) that you haven't noticed by now that an extreme cold front has spread across most of the United States, blanketing the country in record lows in most regions including New Orleans. The recent outbreak of Arctic air is pouring into southeastern Louisiana as well, with a hard-freeze warning for much of the north shore and Baton Rouge in effect on Monday night and early Tuesday morning. 

According to Mark Schleifstein's, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune recent post:

Record low temperatures are expected in Baton Rouge, Slidell, and at New Orleans' Louis Armstrong International Airport and Audubon Park early Tuesday. Forecasters have also issued a wind-chill advisory for southeastern Louisiana from midnight Sunday until noon Monday, with wind chills mostly in the teens.

Although the cold front isn't necessarily a health risk (like it is for our friends in the North where extreme bitter cold forced the governor of Minnesota to cancel school for the ENTIRE state on Monday), forecasters are still warning that the freezing temperatures over these two days could cause frost-bite and hypothermia. Therefore, all residents are encouraged to wear hats and gloves. 

'If you must go outside, remember that several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat,' said the weather service's freeze warning message. 'A hat is also important, as 20 percent of body heat loss is through the head.'

And since a hard freeze can kill crops and sensitive vegitation, residents are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect their property and pets. 

Stay tuned to www.weather.com and www.nola.com for up-to-date weather advisories. 

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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The Idea Village Nurtures Local Culinary Entrepreneurs

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

Emily Vanlandingham of Locally Preserved showcases her preserves and jams as part of The Idea Village's 9-week culinary competition.

In an attempt to reinforce and grow New Orleans strong food and drink tradition, The Idea Village recently launched a nine-week coaching program designed to help nurture the next wave of local entrepreneurs. The competition culminated on December 17th as the five culinary entrepreneurs ran kiosks showcasing their products at the NOLA Brewing Company, a fitting destination for the competition given it is also a recent food and drink start-up.

The participants in the competition included:

• Emily Leefe, Creole Crack (seasoning mix and oyster crackers)
• Stephanie Davis, Drinkology (bottled cocktails)
• Emily Marquis Vanlandingham, Locally Preserved (fruit syrups, jams, pepper jellies, preserves)
• Nathan Winner, Sugah Shop (online bakery delivery)
• Taryn Cabase, Taryn's Crab Cakes (handmade Louisiana blue crab patties)

The following judges participated in the review:

• Ti Martin, Proprietor at Commander's Palace Restaurant
• John Elstrott, Chairman of Whole Foods Markets
• Allison Rouse, Executive at Rouses's Supermarkets
• Robbie Vitrano, Co-Founder of Naked Pizza
• David Darragh, CEO of Reily Foods Company
• Sandy Whann, President of Leidenheimer Baking Company

The formidable panel of judges inquired about how the participants source their raw ingredients, plan to package and distribute their products, approach to ensuring freshness and safety, what their marketing idea are and finally a thorough exploration of their costs breakdown. And although only one winner emerged from the competition, all participants likely benefited from the exposure and counsel from some of the area's leading culinary experts.

And although the panel of judges and public were impressed by all participants, one winner had to be declared. The top nod went to Vanlandingham, a chef that sources local fruits for a variety of jams, jellies, syrups, and preserves. The top prize includes $2,500 cash and a slot to participate in the Big Idea business pitch competition during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week in March (with a top prize of $50,000). Vanlandingham says she plans to use the prize and notoriety to expand her locally-themed jarred products in other cities.

According to the recent post on NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune:

The judges awarded two second-place prizes, each worth $2,500 in cash. One went to Winner, who plans for his business to become an online bakery delivering freshly baked pies and other goods. The other second-place winner was Davis, whose bottled cocktails are aimed in part at gift shoppers, starting with an introductory product she calls the "Garden District Bloody Mary."

And as noted, ultimately all the participants seemed to benefit from the competition and ongoing counsel. Vanlandingham said she re-branded her products, got organized, and set new priorities based on her experience. 

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Mitch Landrieu and Others Enter 2014 New Orleans Municipal Elections

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

Mayor Mitch Landrieu qualifies for the 2014 New Orleans Mayoral Race

Although typically not a long election season, the 2014 municipal elections are fast underway with ball qualifying opening Wednesday and continuing through Friday.

As part of the required process for entering the mayoral race (or any other local election in New Orleans), current Mayor Mitch Landrieu signed his papers yesterday morning, making official all indications that the popular mayor would seek a second term. Landrieu was one of several candidates that completed the mandatory paperwork on Thursday, which included another candidate to enter the competitive race to be Orleans Parish's next Sheriff.

As you will note in the list of candidates below, many races will be sharply contested, especially the race for District C, which intensified earlier this week when the Council President Jackie Clarkson surprised her followers when she reversed her decision to retire as part of an attempt to reclaim her old seat in District C. It has since been revealed the Mayor Landrieu's administration played a large role in convincing the popular politician to run for another term.

The primary elections are scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014, with any runoffs (if necessary) to be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014. According to local rules, candidates must receive an outright majority (50% + 1) to with the election on the primary, or the top two candidates will enter a runoff approximately 6 weeks later.

The deadline for condiates to qualify for the ballot is tomorrow, Friday, December 13, 2013.

Source: Ballotpedia

The following is a list of candidates running for elected office in New Orleans in 2014. Check back for updates of the final candidacy list; and, stay tuned for closer campaign coverage after the holidays when the election season will be in full swing.

* indicates incumbent

2014 New Orleans Mayoral Candidates

• Mitch Landrieu*
• Danatus King
• Michael Bagneris (anticipated)

2014 Orleans Parish Sheriff Candidates

• Marlin Gusman*
• Charles Foti
• Quentin Brown
• Ira Thomas

Coroner's Office

• Frank Minyard* (if qualified)
• Dwight McKenna
• Vincent Culotta Jr.
• Jefferey Rouse

Criminal District Court Clerk

• Arthur Morrell*

Clerk of Civil District Court

• Dale Atkins*

Assessor

• Erroll Williams*

2014 New Orleans City Council Candidates

At-Large Division 1

• Stacy Head
• Eugene Green

At-Large Seat Division 2

• Cynthia Hedge-Morrell
• Jason Williams

District A

• Susan Guidry*
• Drew Ward

District B

• LaToya Cantrell*

District C

• Nadine Ramsey
• Jackie Clarkson

District D

• Jared Brossett
• Joe Bouie

District E

• James Gray*
• Cynthia Willard-Lewis

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Considering Higher Education Funding with Joey Lehrman

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

According to a recent report from the American Association of Colleges and Universities, Louisiana is 1 of 7 states to reduce public spending on higher education. Joining Louisiana on this list is West Virginia, Wyoming, North Carolina, Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

Since Congress initiated the sequester in 2011, most states were forced to make budget cuts across the board, including dedicated funding for higher education. That trend, according to a recent post on NOLA.com | The Times Picayune, that trend is starting to reverse with most states increasing higher education funding in an attempt to offset recent cuts. New Hampshire, an outlier in the study, is leading the nation with a 28 percent increase in higher ed funding in 2013. The national average for 2013 was an increase in 2.9 percent.

Learning Opportunity: More on the Congressional sequester

'Two years removed from the largest decline in state higher education funding in nearly a half century, state lawmakers have used increases in state revenues to begin reinvesting in public higher education,' stated AASCU's October 'State Outlook' newsletter.

2013 will continue a six-year trend of cuts to Louisiana's higher education system, with nearly $700 million cut from those allocations. And the most obvious impact of these cuts are the tuition increases at nearly every institution throughout the state, furthering the divide between those that can access a post-secondary education and those that cannot. However, lawmakers and administrators are hopeful that this trend in Louisiana is about to turn.

The state Board of Regents, the umbrella group overseeing the state's four public systems of higher learning, has requested an $87 million boost next year and State Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge, who heads the House Committee on Education, is optimistic the tide has turned, and Louisiana higher education will be able to return to pre-recession funding levels soon.

However, not everyone is convinced that the study is worth noting. When contacted for comment, Gov. Bobby Jindal's spokesman critiqued the study for being too narrow, noting that the state has spent more than "33 other states per capita on higher education."

"When looking at total means of finance, spending for higher education has gone down by 4.6 percent, but at the same time, student outcomes are on the rise," Plotkin said via email. He cited increase in graduation rates at the state's two and four year institutions and noted LSU in particular marked an record high grad rate of 66.7 percent in 2012.

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Is David Vitter Running for Governor of Louisiana?

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

As the 2015 gubernatorial election in Louisiana draws near, there is widespread speculation that U.S. Senator David Vitter is considering entering the race. And according to Vitter spokesman Luke Bolard, pundits won't have to speculate much longer. This from a recent post on nola.com:

The two-term senator and his wife Wendy will send out an email Wednesday informing supporters of his possible run. Current Gov. Bobby Jindal's second and final term ends in 2015.

Although Bobby Jindal is still undecided about his prospective run for the White House in 2016 (at least publicly), many candidates are already positioning themselves to seek his current job when he reaches his term limit in 2015. State Rep. John Bel Edwards, Lt. Gov Jay Dardenne, and State Treasurer John Kennedy are just a few of the currently elected officials that are considering a push to be Louisiana's next Governor. Only Edwards and Dardenne have officially entered the race.

Senator David Vitter

And for those of you following local New Orleans politics, in a somewhat surprising move, the popular Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson Palmer recently announced that she will not seek reelection in District C, clearing the way for Nadine Ramsey, a former judge, who is the only other announced candidate for the seat. The three-day qualifying period will be held December 11-13th, so stay tuned for a final list of candidates.

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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City Announces Wisner Grant Awards (Finally)

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter 

The City of New Orleans and Mayor Mitch Landrieu have announced the 2013 Wisner Donation grant recipients, which will allocate $450,000 in funds to 41 non-profits throughout the greater metropolitain area.

Click here to view the full list of recipients.

The fund solicits proposals from area non-profits on a bi-annual basis. According to nola.com's coverage of the grants announcement, the city received 124 applications this year. The purpose of the fund, according to the City's website, is as follows:

The Edward Wisner Donation was created from the estate of Edward Wisner to the City of New Orleans as a 100 year charitable trust in 1914. According to the original donation, the Wisner Donation must support local needs in the areas of beautification, education, recreation or human services.

The fund has been the source of ongoing criticism in recent years due to its inconsistency in grant awards and Mayor Landriue's desire for greater discretion on how the grants are allocated.

Again according to the City's website, "Each year there are two review periods: the Spring Proposal Review (February 15 – 28) and the Fall Proposal Review (August 15 – 31). Applications are due by COB on the business day prior to the beginning of each review period."

Several area non-profits have noted that their proposals have gone unreviewed for months, with emails and calls to the city left unanswered. One non-profit discussed how a proposal submitted in February of 2013 wasn't reviewed and announced until December of this year. According to the grant guidelines, the review timeline is supposed to be as follows:

Spring
Proposal Review: February 15 – 28
Grant Awards: March 15 – 31

Unfortunately, the delayed review and announcements can make it difficult for non-profits to strategically plan and make budgetary decisions. And although the grant funds can be meaningful for the local recipients, the lack of transparency and accountability continues to limit the effectiveness of our valuable area non-profits and the city's resources.

Furthermore, if the city is going to solicit applications, our elected officials need to be mindful of the time and effort required for submitting a grant proposal. Delaying decisions by 9 months is a disservice to local non-profits and their constituents.

What do you think? Have you or your organization applied for a Wisner grant in the past? What communication, if any, have you received from the city throughout the process? Share your comments below.

Joey-Lehrman

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experiece in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and persepctive and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Louisiana Charter School Extensions Announced

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter 

The Louisiana Department of Education announced the renewal of charter contracts with fourteen schools scattered throughout New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Perhaps the most significant detail from Saturday's announcement is that no charter school had its contract revoked.

As part of their agreement to retain greater autonomy from school board oversight, which allows operators to control staffing decisions and curriculum design, new charter schools are subject to regular reviews by their authorizing body. For most, that's the Recovery School District, the state run body that was created to direct the redesign of the state's lowest perofrming schools. The remaining schools are authorized directly by the state's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

According to an article by Danielle Dreilinger of nola.com :

The state charter evaluation is based largely on academic performance. New charters are evaluated in their fourh year and either shut down or granted a one-year extension.  The schools are then re-examined the following year - or, for older charters, in the final year of their active contract - and either shut down or renewed. Renewals may run for three, five, or 10 years, depending on the school's letter grade.

A New Trend?

In the context of discussing progress in educational reform, perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the announcement is that no charter operator had its contract revoked, a first in the past several years for the state. And although the charter movement remains controversial, due to issues of equitable access, the loss of the neighborhood school (and its associated costs), and school performance, it is growing increasingly difficult to argue against the data-driven metrics that reflect genuine academic progress.

What do you think about the school choice movement in Lousiana? In addition to the role of charter schools, the school choice movement is also impacted by the growth of the school voucher program as well. Are we moving towards a system of greater access and educational quality, or are we continuing to stagnate in a system that favors some while leaving too many behind? Post your comments below!

The Re-Authorized Charter List

In advance of BESE's vote next week on 14 other one-year extensions, here is the current list of charter's to be re-authorized:

New Orleans Charters 

One-year probationary extension (recommended)

• Edgar P. Harney*

• John Dibert Community School*

• One-year extension (recommended)

• Esperanza Charter School*

• Gentilly Terrace*

• International High School**

• KIPP New Orleans Leadership

• KIPP Renaissance High School

• Lagniappe Academies*

• Morris Jeff Community School

• ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy*

• ReNEW SciTech Academy*

Three-year renewal

• James Singleton*

• Lafayette Academy

• Lake Area New Tech Early College High School

• Milestone SABIS**

• William Fischer*

Five-year renewal

• ARISE Academy

• McDonogh #28 City Park Academy*

• McDonogh #32*

• Medard H. Nelson

• Success Preparatory Academy*
  
• Samuel J. Green

10-year renewal

• Landry-Walker High School

Baton Rouge Charters

Three-year renewal

• Madison Prep**

Five-year renewal

• Kenilworth Science and Technology*

* Failing in 2012
** BESE charter; all other schools are in the Recovery School District

NET School Profile Reveals Ongoing Crime in Education Issues

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

The NET Charter High School, located in Central City of New Orleans, works with a very unique student population. Recruiting some of the city's most disadvantaged youth, NET staff have developed an innovational school structure that attempts to work with students around their busy schedules to earn a high school diploma before the age of 21 (the age at which the state will stop funding their public education).

But in addition to the pride the school has earned over the 26 students that have successfully graduated since the school opened 2 years ago, the staff and students continue to quarrell with the deep violence that continues to grip the streets of New Orleans and which has claimed the lives of 5 of its students. And according to a recent NOLA.com profile of the school:

The school's staff know it comes with the territory, as hard as that is to face. 'We go out and recruit kids who are highly at risk for this happening,' Ostberg says. 'And sometimes it does.'

Click here to read the Times-Picayune's profile of the NET Charter High School.

What this 40-year-veteran of the public education system finds unique and motivating about the NET model is that they work with students around their schedules. In a city where 1 in 4 still don't have a high school education, I witnessed far too many students that weren't successful under the traditional school model. But rather than adapt, most administrators and teachers continue to try and force a traditional student to fit the traditional mold.

Educators both locally and nationally could learn real lessons from these educators that are fighting to work with those that have been forgotten by the system. The current system clearly just doesn't work for everyone. So we must force ourselves to consider every variable that we control, and adapt each one to meet the exact needs of the students at a point that works for the student, not for the system.

What do you think?

Joey-Lehrman

More Violent Crime in New Orleans with Joey Lehrman

More Violent Crime in New Orleans with Joey Lehrman

A 24-year-old man was found stabbed to death inside a burning house in the Fairgrounds neighborhood. So although our politicians and business leaders continue to profess that New Orleans is stronger than ever, we still have a very deep and dark issue that continues to go addressed.

You can read the Times-Picayune coverage of the story here.

Joey Lehrman

I'd like to hear from my readers on this question: What can individuals do to help stem the violent crime problem in New Orleans? It's potentially an easier question to answer for politicians (rebuild the education system, expand recreational opportunities for our youth, increase economic opportunities for adults). But what can a parent or an individual community member do in their daily life to help resolve this devastating issue?

Thanks for reading!
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Is Jindal Running for President?

Is Jindal Running for President?

By Joey Lehrman

In a recent story on NOLA.com, it was reported that Republican kingpin political strategist commented that Jindal would be a serious threat should he choose to run.

"I think if he wants to be a candidate he could be a really serious one," Rove said after his keynote remarks Tuesday, referring to Jindal. "He's doing a lot of things here, particularly on education reform and government reform that could translate well on the national stage."

As a native Louisiana that has over 40 years experience in public education and even more as a citizen of New Orleans, I'm not sure how excited I am to export Jindal from LA to the national forum.

What do you, my fellow readers, think of Jindal running for president?

Read more here:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/01/jindal_rove_president_2016.html

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New Hospital in New Orleans East Breaks Ground

New Hospital in New Orleans East Breaks Ground

The new $130 million New Orleans Hospital that will open in the New Orleans East neighborhood held its groundbreaking ceremonies in an historic moment since Hurricane Katrina.

"I made a commitment when I was running for mayor of New Orleans that we would rebuild New Orleans East, that everyone knew how important it was and that one of the most iconic symbols of New Orleans East would be rebuilt. And that was Methodist Hospital," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu

Residents are encouraged to follow the progress by visiting nola.gov for email updates.

Joey Lehrman
New Orleans, LA
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Eric Gordon Buys Breakfast

Eric Gordon Buys Breakfast

In the classiest move of any NBA player this season, Eric Gordon recently bought breakfast for the entire New Orleans Hornets staff (and the media too, on accident).

http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2013/01/new_orleans_hornets_guard_eric_53.html#incart_m-rpt-2

Gordon has been injured for most of the season but his return his been quickly noticed, with the Hornets winning three of the four games in which Gordon has laced up.

Joey Lehrman
New Orleans, LA
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Louisiana DMV on Veterans Blvd. to Reopen!

Louisiana DMV on Veterans Blvd. to Reopen!

As another positive sign in the ongoing restoration of the Greater New Orleans region following Hurricane Katrina, the Office of Motor Vehicles has announced the reopening of its offices on Veterans Blvd.  This is welcomed news to our East Bank residents, all of whom have had to travel across the Crescent City Connection to the only office that has been opened since the storm, which is located on the West Bank.

According to the announcement:

The new office, which will serve the east banks of New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, features the latest technology in motor vehicle services to assist customers with driver's license and identification cards, road skills testing, and vehicle registration.

So I suppose get out there a stock up on DMV services, East Bank residents!

Joey Lehrman
New Orleans, LA
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Vouchers and Public Education

Vouchers in Louisiana - By Joey Lehrman

In a debate focused on a local parish but with implications for the entire state, residents, teachers, students, teachers, and parents and pressed to discuss the pros and cons of a voucher system, which uses public funds to pay private school tuition for students.  As part of the School Choice system the state has been transitioning to for the past few years, proponents suggest it provides unprecedented educational opportunities for students that would otherwise be destined to a poor education at struggling schools.  Administrators in the public system, content, however, that the system only drains more resources from an already deprived system and isn't a scalable solution for all students in the state.

http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2012/10/voucher_law_being_questioned_i.html

The most recent debate has found its way to Tangipaha Parish, where a federal judge will soon enter the dialogue.  At the very least, we must be informed!  Read on and please share your comments!

Sincerely,

Joey Lehrman,
New Orleans, LA
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Joey Lehrman and Hurricane Isaac

Joey Lehrman and Hurricane Isaac

As residents continue the recovery from Hurricane Isaac in late August, the Times Picayune is continuing its coverage of the victims in the aftermath.

http://www.nola.com/hurricane/index.ssf/2012/10/hurricane_isaac_drowing_victim.html

Having lived through many of the hurricanes to impact the region over the last 50+ years, it is incredible to see how any storm, no matter the size, affects the livelihood in the Gulf Coast.

As always, we thank you for your support!

Joey Lehrman
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