January 23, 2008

Louisiana Department of Education, Request for Letters of Interest to Identify Organizations That Can Assist in Restructuring & Operating Louisiana Public Schools Which Have Been Identified as Persistently Failing Schools

"The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is interested in identifying potential companies, organizations, and community groups that may be interested in operating persistently failing Louisiana public schools. These schools have been declared as Academically Unacceptable Schools for four or more continuous years based on performance on the states accountability system. To that end, we are beginning an informal process of identifying viable parties who are willing to assist us in taking on the challenge of creating a new reality for students in our states lowest performing schools.

As of January 1, 2008, 11 schools have been labeled as Academically Unacceptable Schools for four or more consecutive years. These schools meet the eligibility requirements outlined in La. R.S. 17:10.5 and are eligible for transfer to the jurisdiction of the Recovery School District. At this time, the Department has not made a determination about which, if any, schools will be transferred. Those decisions will be made in the coming months on a case-by-case basis."

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