2015_HSGuide

FOREWORD
On August 29th 2005, Hurricane Katrina made its way along
the Gulf Coast from central Florida causing severe damage,
hitting New Orleans and wreaking havoc on lives and property.
That property damage included the 140 plus school buildings of New
Orleans Schools. Over the next several years, nearly 2.5 billion dollars have
been spent or encumbered to repair the facilities that were severely damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
Students went from having marginal educational facilities to those that now have the “bells and whistles” to
provide 21st century world class learning environments.
On this 10th Anniversary of one of the world’s most devastating natural disasters, the need for a good…no, a
great education is a must for our city to build a strong community. Whether it is a private, parochial, charter,
direct run or home school, parents must have the opportunity to select the best educational facility and program
that fits their child’s learning needs. With that being said, the educational community has a responsibility to
provide diverse teaching and learning programs for students to have their individual needs met!
If we were to ask the question to a selection of teachers, administrators, students, parents, community
members, business leaders, and policymakers to address the question of the purpose of a great education, it
would be difficult to reach a consensus. In this country, the purpose of education has transformed itself based
on the needs of society. Education’s purpose has ranged from teaching religion to preparing young people to
live in a democracy, to preparing workers for the workplace. More recently, educators have defined the goal of
education as to prepare young people to become lifelong learners who can compete in a global economy in a
world that is rapidly changing.
We know that there is one education reform strategy that works. It’s the same formula that has worked since
we had chalkboards in the one room school house. Nothing beats or replaces a great teacher. And when that
teacher is provided the appropriate resources, uses data, applies best practices with the use of common sense,
and focuses on student learning, students will develop and be prepared for the challenges and opportunities
of today and tomorrow.
I share the story of a young boy that attended an elementary school immediately after Katrina. This young
man was challenged with health disabilities and behavior challenges. The school was equipped with the
necessary teaching materials, was led by a dynamic principal, and the young man was placed in the classroom
of an energetic and resourceful teacher. With hard work and appropriate assistance, his disabilities have been
transformed into the abilities of a child who is meeting learning targets and has a bright future. The right school
for the right child!
So as more people are paying attention and getting involved in education in New Orleans “post Katrina”, let’s
use this opportunity that the Urban League’s New Orleans Guide to High Schools and Beyond provides to
continue the conversation about how we best provide a quality and equitable education for “all” children in the
city of New Orleans…bar none!
Darryl C. Kilbert
Darryl C. Kilbert
Retired Superintendent
Orleans Parish School Board
We know that there is
one education reform
movement that works...
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