Eight months in, talking about school.

I'm no expert on the public school system. I'm not even a product of it. But I desperately want Margot to be, and right now is when a lot of decisions are being made that will have an enormous impact on her future.

It has taken me years to get even the most cursory handle on what has been happening to the schools in this city since Katrina. Three quarters of the schools here are now charter schools -- so that (as it was once described to me) we don't so much have a school system as a system of schools. Most of these are run not by a local school board, but by what was intended to be a temporary state entity called the Recovery School District. There is no teacher's union here. And, after every single faculty member in the city was fired post-Katrina, the majority of students are being taught by Teach for America corps. Most of the successful public schools here are selective admission -- meaning you have to take a test to get in.

Some people say things are much better. Others say that New Orleans is essentially re-segregating its public school system. Community members are fighting for their own community schools. And I can smell it already -- the potential gap between what I feel is just for this city and what I feel is right for my kid. This is easily the most complicated mess I have ever tried to wrap my brain around. 

Right now, it looks like KIPP is set to take control of three schools in my neighborhood. I (think?) I applaud a lot what that organization is up to, but with a mission to educate first generation college graduates, KIPP schools just aren't for Margot. Or tons of other kids who live around here. So, what about school choice? And why not a school that is designed for all different kinds of kids? So I am setting up camp with the Colton School folks. I want this so badly for Margot. 

A school that offers children of the surrounding neighborhoods an opportunity for a first rate education.  Specifically, the school must have a specific neighborhood enrollment zone; that is, the children of the neighborhoods surrounding the school must be either guaranteed places in the school or given preference.  Remaining spots can be open to students throughout the city on a lottery basis.   A school where students, parents and faculty reflect the racial and cultural diversity of the neighborhood.  In addition, students of all socioeconomic levels should be attending the school together.  Having an integrated school would help unite the diverse communities that make up the Marigny, St. Roch, St. Claude and Bywater neighborhoods.   A school that attracts dedicated educators by creating a professional environment in which teachers can develop their full long-term potential.  This includes the recognition that long-term, experienced, committed teachers also have family and community obligations, and that retaining these teachers will require realistic professional expectations that do not preclude teachers' fulfilling such obligations. A school that recognizes the importance of meaningful engagement with parents and the community.  A true neighborhood school should honor thevision of parents and concerned community members, not the strategic plan of a large organization based outside the community.