FEMA Finances Opening Of Five Schools in Orleans Parish 

Release Date: July 27, 2007
Release Number: 1603-667

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- An aggressive new plan set forth by State Education Superintendent Paul Pastorek will bring about construction or renovation to “as good as new” of five schools in Orleans Parish before the end of the year.

Dubbed the “Quick Start” process, these five schools will be the first phase of a rebuilding process for New Orleans Public Schools. The completion of a comprehensive master plan is expected by the middle of 2008, with identified schools built by 2010. However, Pastorek noted that while the master plan is important, 2010 is not soon enough for new schools.

“Our children deserve better, and they deserve better sooner,” said Pastorek. “We are building a world-class education system for New Orleans…I want to help New Orleans recover and know that public education is a critical factor in rebuilding neighborhoods.”

To pinpoint the five schools to be jumpstarted, Pastorek asked New Orleans City Council members to help form committees comprised of members of the community. These committees, along with staff from the Recovery School District (RSD) and consultants, will clarify criteria to be used for selecting the location of the schools.

Once the criteria are finalized, community groups and members of the public will be asked to submit proposals for new schools. Pastorek will consider the proposals, along with other information and assessments, and decide on school locations by September 10.

Along with the projected population of students in the community, Pastorek is focused on availability of funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Bankrolled entirely with expedited public assistance monies from FEMA, the construction and renovations of the five schools is expected to move forward quickly.

“In order to do this, we need 100 percent funding from FEMA and we need FEMA’s complete cooperation and support. Here’s the good news, we have had that and we believe that we can get 100 percent funding from FEMA,” said Pastorek. “My experience [with FEMA] over the last two months has been superb. I can tell you the kind of professional cooperation we have received has been outstanding, and that’s the only reason we’re here today.”

FEMA Director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office Jim Stark noted that FEMA has obligated more than $272 million to the RSD and anticipates that amount growing once new damage has been identified. FEMA has been working closely with the State Education Department, the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the RSD to obligate all eligible funding.

“We are proud and pleased to be part of this. We have a lot of very dedicated people working for FEMA. We are Louisianian’s helping Louisiana’s recovery,” said Stark. “I am also a public school parent, and I am really pleased that they will benefit from the type of vision that was brought to this process. I look forward to future cooperative efforts here as we move this thing forward.”

Recovery School District Superintendent Paul Vallas was also elated with the new plan of action. As he put it, “Nothing captures the imagination more than new school construction. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 27-Jul-2007 17:28:59