The family of beloved New Orleans chef and civic icon Leah Chase is split over the future of the struggling public school that bears her name as the Orleans Parish School Board debates whether to pour more money into the school or close it down.
In recent letters to NOLA Public Schools officials, Chase’s descendants have come down on opposite sides of the debate over the future of the Leah Chase School — New Orleans’ first traditional public school in nearly two decades. Since opening in August 2024, the arts-focused school has struggled with low enrollment, a growing budget deficit and poor academic outcomes, earning a D rating from the state last month.
Chase’s daughter, Stella Chase Reese, called on district leaders to keep the school open, arguing that it could become a “model for education” with more resources and time…