The power to hire and fire: The 33 New Orleans schools being run by the state of Louisiana are getting more autonomy. Paul Vallas, the superintendent of the state’s Recovery School District, says principals at those schools are this year getting the power to hire and fire personnel. Vallas says it’s a move to make the schools more like the dozens of independently run charter schools that the state oversees. Vallas made the remarks today at a news conference where he outlined plans and goals for the new school year. Recovery School District students in grades one through 12 start classes on Aug. 6.
$200 million deal: Textron Marine & Land Systems has landed a contract to build 229 more armored security vehicles for the Army at its two plants in New Orleans and Slidell. The $200 million contract calls for the production of 191 armored security vehicles and 38 Armored Knight vehicles. The Armored Knight is a version of the ASV with increased armor and agility. About half of the contract’s value has been funded. Textron already has delivered more than 2,100 ASVs to the Army.
