FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2018
Response to School Leadership Void at Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy
NEW ORLEANS — Parents from Edgar P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy met with Orleans Parish School Board Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. on Monday to discuss ongoing turmoil with school leadership and the future of the school. The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools (LAPCS) released the following statement from Executive Director Caroline Roemer.
“Parents, students, teachers, and the community have been let down at Edgar P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy. The poor leadership by the board has led to extensive disruption for the school community. LAPCS urges board president Pastor Charles J. Southall III and his fellow board members to step aside and allow for new leadership at the school.
Despite numerous interventions by the authorizer, the Orleans Parish School Board, and LAPCS, including one-on-one meetings, assistance in financial and legal compliance matters, as well as governance training for the board, the school seemingly continues to ignore industry best practices. Harney continues to face turmoil and uncertainty at best, and legal issues at worst. Therefore, we believe it’s time for a change in leadership. When you fail to lead; you should lose the privilege to make decisions about our kids and their future.
There are great people doing hard work inside Harney, and it’s time to let that work shine. Southall is standing in the way. It’s time to clear a path for passionate parents who are fighting to put students first. LAPCS looks forward to working with Supt. Lewis and the Orleans Parish School Board to plot a new path for Harney Excellence. As with other schools faced with a leadership crisis, we must look to the community for input and lead with a voice towards the future.”
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Contact: Roby Chavez rchavez@lacharterschools
About Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools
The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools (LAPCS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advocate for the Louisiana charter school movement, increasing student access to high-quality public schools statewide. Learn more about LAPCS at https://lacharterschools.org.