Creating a Governing Framework for Public Education in New Orleans
The Cowen Institute has released the first three reports in a series of papers on public school governance called Creating a Governing Framework for Public Education in New Orleans. The series is the first of its kind in New Orleans to look at governing framework options for all public schools in New Orleans. The overall goal of the study is to lay out options for the roles and responsibilities for all governing entities in public education in order to support a system of high-performing public schools.

The initial three reports can be found here.

With a mayoral election on the horizon, New Orleans is looking ahead to its next political chapter and a new stage in its recovery and development. Public education remains a critical element of our progress, yet the system is still deeply in flux and in need of sustainable, transformative leadership. The system of public schools operates independently of the mayor’s office; instead it is collectively run by the Orleans Parish School Board, the Recovery School District, individual charter boards, and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The Scott S. Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives at Tulane University (“Cowen Institute”) is often asked what role and authority the Mayor of New Orleans actually wields in our city’s public education landscape. Through the mayor’s various official powers as well as his/her political influence, he or she can actually do quite a lot to impact education and foster positive development for our city’s children, families, and communities. The mayor has authority in several areas that directly affect our children, including crime prevention, social services, playgrounds, and economic development. The mayor can also use his/her political capital to serve as a champion for our youth and advocate for their best interests while being impartial among the various school governing bodies.
Specifically, the Mayor of New Orleans can do the following:
• Coordinate the New Orleans Master Plan with the School Facilities Master Plan
• Enforce truancy laws to get school-aged children off the streets and back into schools
• Support the recommendations made by the Afterschool Partnership to support youth

To read detailed information on each recommendation click here.

Local and state governance, 2007-08 student demographics, and student enrollment data. [more info]