The Cowen Institute frames the issues that affect the success of the system of public schools in New Orleans, a critical role given the decentralized approach of running schools. The Institute also develops and advances research-based policy and legislative solutions, and we actively work with policymakers and community leaders to advance these solutions through a number of advocacy efforts. We continuously inform leaders in local, state, and federal government of the issues relevant to the city’s system of public schools and their communities. Our work in this field ensures the success of every public school in the city by advocating for adequate and equitable funding, safe facilities, and an effective governance model.

We are committed to implementing state and federal policies that support educational transformation. In order to effectively achieve this, the Cowen Institute’s staff has established relationships with a diverse community of local education agencies, public schools, universities, social, economic, and governmental entities and leaders. This allows us to bridge the gap between practice and policy and to build coalitions as necessary in order to address the needs of the public schools in New Orleans. Our endeavor is to help create a public education system that is responsive to the needs of the community and provides an equal opportunity for a world-class education to all regardless of socioeconomics, neighborhood, or race. We work continuously to ensure that policymakers, administrators, and governing bodies are held responsible and accountable to the community.

Our Work:

Policy Agenda:

    Ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality school facilityThe harsh reality is that Louisiana ranks the fourth lowest among all states in terms of funding for public school facilities and is one of only nine states that does not provide state funding for school buildings. Children are being directly affected by their school environment – from cracking lead paint to inadequate restrooms to no heat in the winter, students are trying to learn in deplorable conditions. The Cowen Institute is working with state legislators to create a Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority within the Department of Education to provide funding, coordination, assistance, and oversight for the repair, renovation, and construction of public school facilities. It is also seeking funding for the newly created Louisiana Statewide Educational Facilities Fund in the state treasury to serve as a funding source solely for school facilities. In addition to this legislation, the policy team is also working to secure federal funds for school renovation and construction.  [top]
    Ensuring adequate allocation and equitable distribution of resources for schools
    The success of the public school system rests on many factors but none more important than ensuring the financial health of the system. The Cowen Institute works to understand the scope of the complex financial situation resulting from the fragmented and decentralized management of schools, secure adequate funding for schools, ensure fiscal responsibility, and ensure equitable distribution of funds. Currently, we are researching, drafting, and advancing policy and legislative recommendations to address the inequities in funding for schools, specifically addressing local and state allocations. The Cowen Institute also works closely with the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB), the Louisiana Department of Education, the Recovery School District (RSD) and other partners to ensure both transparent and accurate financial reporting. We have organized the Orleans Parish School Board Debt Working Group to explore possibilities to reduce the $450 million in debt of the Orleans Parish School Board. In addition, the Cowen Institute has developed and distributed a series of white papers on the financial landscape in New Orleans.  [top]
    Developing a clear and aligned governance model for all public schools in New Orleans
    New Orleans currently has a decentralized system and is widely considered to be the national laboratory for governance issues as it has undergone such dramatic changes since Hurricane Katrina. We believe it is imperative to explore and advance options for the most ideal governance structure to ensure accountability for all public schools in New Orleans. The policy team is dedicated to, based on the findings of the research study on governance (noted above in research), drafting and advancing a solution.  [top]