Louisiana House Bill HR151

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/13
• Passed: 5/30/13

Caption

Requests that the Orleans Parish School Board submit a written explanation and timeline to the House Committee on Education relative to the return of McDonogh #35 Senior High School to its pre-Katrina magnet status with selective admissions requirements

Impact

The resolution seeks to reinforce the historical reputation of McDonogh #35, which was founded as the first public high school for African American students in New Orleans. It aims to restore this school's legacy of academic excellence and community pride by returning it to a format that emphasizes selective admissions, which supporters argue is crucial for maintaining educational standards and community expectations. The push for reinstating the magnet status reflects broader issues within the educational landscape post-Hurricane Katrina.

Summary

House Resolution 151 urges the Orleans Parish School Board to produce a written report explaining the status of McDonogh #35 Senior High School's transition back to its pre-Katrina magnet status with selective admissions. The resolution calls for detailed timelines and plans for the school's re-establishment as a magnet school that incorporates a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum. This report is requested to be submitted by October 31, 2013.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR151 is notably supportive, as it receives backing from community members and alumni who stress the importance of maintaining the academic prestige associated with McDonogh #35. The resolution reflects a collective desire to see the school restored to its former glory, as many view the magnet status and the STEM focus as essential for student success and local identity.

Contention

While the resolution received significant community support, implicit contention arises from the broader context of educational reforms following Hurricane Katrina. It suggests an ongoing struggle to balance open enrollment policies that were adopted for logistical reasons against the desire for a specialized curriculum that selective admissions can provide. Opponents may argue that reverting to a selective admissions system could limit access for some students, making this an ongoing topic of discussion within the educational community.