Charter Update and Superintendent’s Support
May 19th, 2017Exciting news for New Harmony High in the article entitled “New Orleans superintendent recommends new charter school dedicated to coastal ecology apply to state, not district” published in The Advocate overnight thanks to the persistence of Sheila Grissett.
Oh, Louisiana.
Dr. Henderson Lewis, Orleans Parish Superintendent, also voiced his full support for New Harmony High as we pursue the Type 2 charter with BESE. As per OPSB’s press release today:
“Per current state law and BESE policy (Bulletin 126, Section 503(A)(5)), any charter application seeking to operate in Orleans Parish has to first be submitted to OPSB,” said Superintendent Lewis. “New Harmony has complied with this process and I thank them. We recognize that this organization has a vision which extends to serving students and families beyond Orleans Parish, a sentiment that was echoed at our public hearing earlier this month by students from Plaquemines Parish. It is my desire and hope that through the BESE Type 2 process they have the opportunity to operate and serve students and families from Orleans Parish, as well as additional surrounding areas. We have committed to providing our full support to the New Harmony High team in this process and have already communicated with the state department regarding the nature and rationale for our decision.“
Positive news for us and promising news for the students and families of Louisiana!