Katrina gives New Orleans schools a chance at reconstruction

Here's a photo of Hardin Elementary School, one of the many schools in New Orleans that were slaughtered by Hurricane Katrina...




CNN.com says that after Katrina was through with New Orleans,

But some administrators think that Katrina's wrath may lead to wonderful possibilities. Before the tragedy, New Orleans's school had "slimy mildew clinging to classroom walls for years, the termite-eaten floors, the paint peeling from school ceilings. " For decades "buildings were neglected. Kids weren't learning. Millions of dollars were squandered or stolen." Now New Orleans has a chance to rebuild its schools and make them stonger than before. All they need is about $1 billion.

Educators, however, have a solution: "Schools would be grouped in clusters run by managers. Students would have choices about where they'd attend. And most money and hiring decisions would shift from the superintendent's office to the principals, who are considered more attuned to their schools' needs."

I never thought there would be a bit a good spring up from such a disaster, but the plan sounds interesting. Where will they get these "managers" from? Is it smart to hand over money and hiring decisions to principals? What it more schools are being picked-by students-than others? Good luck, New Orleans! I hope your plan works.


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