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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

State education department asks board to yank Abramson's charter | NOLA.com

State education department asks board to yank Abramson's charter | NOLA.com

State education department asks board to yank Abramson's charter

Published: Tuesday, August 02, 2011, 1:07 PM Updated: Tuesday, August 02, 2011, 4:06 PM

The top education official in Louisiana is asking the state board of education to revoke the Pelican Educational Foundation's contract to run Abramson Science and Technology Charter School in eastern New Orleans.

abramson_charter_school_exterior.jpgFour teachers at the Abramson Science & Technology Charter School reported a 'general feeling of fear' among the school's staff because of what appeared to be retaliation against teachers, parents and students who had spoken up about the school's practices.

In a written recommendation to the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, or BESE, acting state Superintendent Ollie Tyler said an investigation launched last month has uncovered evidence that Abramson has failed to comply with state law, board policy and its charter contract.

Tyler said the investigation is still ongoing, but "since our investigation has already yielded findings and documentation that indicate a threat to the safety, health and welfare of students at Abramson, I am