Proposals for two new charter schools that would be located in the Shaw Center are being reviewed by the National Association for Charter School Authorizers, who will report to the state Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The state is expected to approve or deny the applications next month. One school would be focused on science, technology, engineering and math, and the other on the arts and digital media; the schools would open next year with a total of about 250 freshmen. Kristy Hebert of Advance Innovative Education, who spoke at today’s Downtown Development District meeting, says the schools will partner with LSU and BP America, and possibly with Apple.
Also discussed at today’s meeting:
—Elizabeth “Boo” Thomas, president and CEO of the Center for Planning Excellence, says the state has to invest in rail to avoid getting left behind, and a connection between New Orleans and Baton Rouge would be a good start. Rail was one of the top requests of people who participated in the Louisiana Speaks Regional Plan, she says. Louisiana was in line for $300 million in federal money for the rail connection. But Department of Transportation and Development Secretary William Ankner withdrew the request, saying the state didn’t qualify for the funding. “I think if any of you feel differently, now is the time to write, call and let your wishes be known, whether it’s to the governor, secretary or even the parish government,” Thomas says.—David Jacobs
