schools
New Orleans College Prep says no further layoffs after community outcry
|
After dozens of students, parents and teachers complained to the board of New Orleans College Prep earlier this month about the impact of emergency layoffs, officials at the charter network promised Monday they have determined the system’s finances have stabilized and that no more layoffs are expected. “Our finances are stable, which means we do not foresee any need for further layoffs,” said College Prep board chair Patrick Norton. School this fall at College Prep’s two campuses, Walter L. Cohen high school and Crocker elementary, with about 40 fewer students than expected, causing a shortfall of nearly $450,000 in state per-pupil funding. In addition to a number of other cost-saving measures, the College Prep administration laid off seven non-teaching staff members — prompting the numerous expressions of concern by members of the school community at an Oct. 1 board meeting.