Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
The School Impact
The school year for students, teachers, and education staff in New Orleans, Alabama, and Mississippi was decimated by the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This Education Week series covered the hurricanes’ impact at the district, state, and federal levels.
Federal
Congress Approves Additional Hurricane Aid for Schools
Congress has given final approval to a measure that provides $235 million to schools educating students displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and extends the deadline for schools to decide how to spend the money.
Federal
White House Katrina Report Praises Ed. Dept.’s Response
A White House report examining the federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina that was critical of several federal agencies lauded the Department of Education for several of its actions after the storm.
School & District Management
Hurricanes’ Aftermath Is Ongoing
As displaced students continue returning to their home schools in Louisiana and Mississippi, tens of thousands remain scattered elsewhere.
Federal
First Lady, Spellings Tour Gulf Coast Schools
First lady Laura Bush and U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings dropped into three schools along the Gulf Coast last week.
School Choice & Charters
New Orleans Charter Network Gets Under Way
As students have returned, they’ve found their old school far from the way they left it before Hurricane Katrina devastated much of the city.
Education Funding
Hurricane Aid is on the Way to Districts, Private Schools
The U.S. Department of Education last week sent out more than $250 million in education aid to states affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
School & District Management
New Orleans Panel Rethinks School System
Four months after Hurricane Katrina, an early outline of a newly configured school system is beginning to emerge.
School & District Management
New Orleans Reopens an Elementary School
Children’s voices filled the hallways at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in New Orleans last week for the first time in three months.
Budget & Finance
Bond Ratings Another Worry for Gulf Coast Districts
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita's impact on school districts’ bonded debt is just becoming clear. It could affect districts’ recovery.
Federal
Katrina Bill Would Ease School Rules
While schools still haven’t received any federal education aid to deal with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the House has eased education rules.
Federal
Landrieu Spices Up Debate on Federal Hurricane Aid
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Sen. Mary L. Landrieu has worked to funnel federal aid to the area.
Education Funding
Hurricane-Aid Bill Backed by Boehner Dies in House
When Republicans bring a House budget measure that trims many federal programs, including some in education, to the floor this week, it won’t include a plan to aid schools taking in students displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Teaching Profession
Teachers’ Jobs in Hurricane-Ravaged Areas in Limbo
Many Gulf Coast school administrators remain uncertain about how many teachers and other staff members they will need, at least initially.
Budget & Finance
Hurricanes Blow Holes in School Revenues
School districts that suffered damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have reopened and scrambling to find the money to keep them solvent.