Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify the Leah Chase School is the district's first permanent direct-run school in nearly two decades. The Orleans Parish School Board did run some schools temporarily during that time before giving them to charter operators.
Pretty much every year, schools open, close or change hands in New Orleans, so new schools aren’t always big news — but this one is.
That's because the Leah Chase School, named for the beloved local chef, is the city’s first permanent direct-run school in nearly two decades.
Even though it’s just one school (out of more than 70), it’s still a significant change for what had been the nation's only all-charter district since 2019.
Education reporter Aubri Juhasz discusses the circumstances, stakes and what comes next with host Bob Pavlovich.
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