A proposed state law would empower the Orleans Parish School Board to close charter schools before their contracts have ended, giving district officials broader authority to deal with declining student enrollment.
Filed last week by state Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman, D-New Orleans, House Bill 1003 would allow the School Board to close schools mid-contract if the superintendent determines the district is “overcapacity” with too many schools and not enough students. The proposed law, which would take effect this year if passed, would only apply to charter schools in New Orleans.
Under the current rules, the School Board can generally only close a charter school when its contract is up for renewal, typically every three to ten years…