No New Schools Next Year
The headline in today’s Times-Picayune newspaper reads “Eight new charters endorsed for N.O.” None of those schools will be operated by the Treme Charter School Association. Our applications to operate two more schools for 2008 - 2009 were denied. I can’t tell you the reasons because that information will be released by special request after the formal vote of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Thursday. Our applications were not among the eight recommended for approval by State Superintendent Paul Pastorek.
I believe that all things happen for a reason. I can think of many reasons why we are better off with one school instead of three schools. My main reason for being grateful that we were turned down is that it allows us to focus on creating the model school we dreamed of at McDonogh 42 Elementary Charter School. Although things are running smoothly for a newly opened charter school, we have so much more we want to do. One thing I want to focus on is parental involvement and volunteer efforts.
Our upcoming holiday activities will include a Parent’s Night to hear what they think about our school and an opportunity to start up our PTA. Now that we don’t have to worry about hiring two more staffs, negotiating two dozen more vendor contracts, and completing thirty pre-opening procedures, we can pay attention to the students, teachers and staff who have trusted us to create a wonderful place to learn, live, and love. Thank you, Superintendent Pastorek.
