Message from the Executive Director – April 2018

The past month has been a busy one for all of us with LEAP testing and lots of activity in Baton Rouge. It’s that time of year when everyone is tired and looking forward to year-end celebrations.

Speaking of celebrations, I have to give a big shout out to our members, as more than 70 percent of you responded to our recent facilities survey. As I’ve noted, this data will be critically important information to help us grow. I am confident the survey results will help ensure we solve our facilities challenges.

Turning to Baton Rouge, the Legislature has been focused on trying to figure out how to resolve the state’s fiscal crisis, as legislators and advocates alike have been putting in long days and nights at the Capitol. Louisiana’s charter schools have survived our toughest battles, but we are not out of the woods yet. Unfortunately, there has been an ever-growing theme this year to add charters to every education bill. Long gone are the days that we could assume charter schools would be excluded from bills that address traditional school district issues like teacher leave, curriculum, and school operations.

It is more important than ever to protect our autonomy. It’s why we continue to fight and celebrate our wins against protectionist districts, like the most recent decision by the Supreme Court to deny a motion for rehearing the Type 2 charter schools case.

For now, my checklist this month is done: 70% facilities surveys completed; attend BESE, Senate & House Education Committees meetings; fight protectionist districts; win at the Supreme Court (again); prepare for graduation ceremonies; raise money for GiveNola Day.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to put on my flip-flops, grab a pina colada, and celebrate!

Regards,

Caroline