Many of the array of changes happening in New Orleans schools are nationally known - however there is one issue that has attracted little notice: the impact of decentralization of the New Orleans schools on school service workers job security and standards of living alongside students sense of stability in their schools with a constant influx of new faces instead of trusted individuals they recognize who take care of them.
We saw a need to investigate the impact this decentralization is having in the schools by the two groups of people most impacted by the changes and destabilization of school service provisions: the workers themselves and the students they serve. A unique, intergenerational participatory action research project has united these constituencies to take action for improved conditions and necessary policy changes to implement their desired recommendations. This team of action researchers ranging in age from 8 to 74 worked together and identified common core issues, created surveys, gathered data, analyzed findings, and are providing policy recommendations during a 2nd line parade and festival celebrating our report’s release and to present our recommendations to improve services aimed at all 45 school boards on MARCH 13, 2013 at 4pm.
We ask you to stand united as leaders in the effort to ensure that by improving the services in our schools we are paving the road for better education and thriving communities by signing this petition.
Together, we can help raise the standard of education by raising the standard of living for working families.
We request your support in bettering learning and working conditions for students, staff and leadership in New Orleans schools by lending your name or organization to the list of New Orleans community members endorsing the policy recommendations that will be presented at the 2nd line parade on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013 at 4pm, going from the RSD at 1615 Poydras Street to City Hall. Join us!