| Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the RSD had control of only | | | | hires, and make specific academic decisions, while still |
| five schools in Orleans Parish. After the storm, as a | | | | receiving federal funding. The new system is also |
| result of a poor reputation, many speculated that the | | | | giving more choices to students and parents. There |
| New Orleans Public School System would remain shut | | | | are no longer geographic boundaries that state that a |
| down indefinitely. Seeing the hurricane as an | | | | student must go to a specific school based on their |
| opportunity for change, state government decided to | | | | district, or what neighborhood they live in. Permits are |
| take more control, and place approximately 100 | | | | no longer required to go to "out of district" schools. If a |
| additional schools in the RSD. While under this new | | | | parent or student is not happy with the school that |
| ruling, these schools would remain in the recovery | | | | they are attending, for whatever reason, they now |
| school district for at least five years. During this time, | | | | have the option to choose a new one. Charter schools |
| the schools test scores and overall performance | | | | are serving the majority of the approximate 24,000 |
| would be evaluated. If these schools reached an | | | | students in the RSD. |
| acceptable level of academic performance, they | | | | The future of the recovery school district is still unclear. |
| would then be returned to local control. | | | | Being that the RSD has reached the five year mark, |
| So far, the program has been an overall success for | | | | legislation will be held this fall to decide whether or not |
| the New Orleans Public School System. Between | | | | to continue on the current track of education, or to |
| 2007 and 2010, fourth grade students have increased | | | | return the schools back to the local school board. |
| their pass rates for standardized tests from 49 to | | | | Public opinion believes that the schools should remain in |
| 65%. Eighth graders' pass rates have gone from 44 to | | | | state control, as only 21% of voters stated that they |
| 58%. The number of high school students performing | | | | felt the schools should be returned to Orleans Parish |
| on their appropriate grade-level has increased from 42 | | | | School Board. One of the issues at hand is that having |
| to 60% in math and 36-52% in English. Additionally, a | | | | two sets of government, one in Baton Rouge (state) |
| considerably higher percentage of high schools | | | | and one in New Orleans (local,) isn't the most ideal |
| students are graduating. | | | | situation. With all of this being said, it will be important |
| Though there are some traditional public schools in the | | | | for local government to provide a stable, productive |
| RSD, the majority of it is comprised of charter schools. | | | | and helpful plan regarding the future state of New |
| These schools are nonprofit organizations that control | | | | Orleans Public Schools. |
| their own budget, make their own decisions regarding | | | | |