NEW ORLEANS – Last Tuesday, May 17, 2016, the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) voted to approve charter applications from JCFA and Élan Academy Charter School at the May board meeting.
“After careful consideration, we are pleased to welcome the JCFA and Élan Academy Charter School to the OPSB family,” said OPSB Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. “We appreciate their efforts throughout the application process and know both will make great additions to the education system in the City of New Orleans as we move toward a unified school district.”
JCFA’s application proposed to operate two alternative high schools, but only one has been approved at this time. The second school will be subject to full extension at the third-year evaluation and approval of Dr. Lewis prior to opening.
In its application, Élan Academy proposed to operate a single K-5 elementary school, with the OPSB approving the application subject to revision of plans to serve students through eighth grade. Additionally, the application is subject to Dr. Lewis’ approval for execution of the operating agreement based on the district’s assessment of citywide need.
The OPSB’s two-part charter application process included a notice of intent to apply, verification of application eligibility, the Louisiana common charter application and supplemental information requested by OPSB. Each application is evaluated by an independent review team, which then makes a recommendation to the OPSB administration.
