Warren Easton To Open September7, 2006, As A Charter School

On April 18, 2006, the Orleans Parish School Board accepted the charter application of the Warren Easton Senior High School Charter Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation as designated by IRS. More than $3 million in post-Katrina repairs on the building have begun and are expected to be completed in time for the anticipated school opening date of September 7, 2006. In addition to renovation done by Alvarez & Marsel for the school board, under the direction of the New Orleans Rotary, groups from several states will donate 2,000 man-hours in June to paint and repair the interior of the building.

The Warren Easton Senior High School Charter Foundation, Inc. is comprised largely of members of the Warren Easton Hall of Fame Committee which was founded in 1991. One-hundred-five members of the Easton family have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The committee has also awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, provided the school with needed equipment and supplies, and presented many members of the faculty with cash awards.

The group became interested in obtaining a charter last November when no repairs had been scheduled for Easton and published reports indicated the school would not open until the fall of 2007, if at all. It was also feared that Easton's high admission and graduation standards would be eliminated. Suggestions were made that the building might be sold and converted into condos. In response to this, three "Bring Easton Back" rallies were held in February and hundreds of students, parents and faculty attended, lending their support to the charter initiative.

On May 30 the Foundation announced Mrs. Alexina Medley as principal and Mr. Joe Gilyot as her assistant. Faculty appointments will be made on July 15. More than 700 students have applied for admission as of July 1.

Foundation President Billy Hatchett said, "Easton has a large and loyal network of alumni who have great affection for their high school. We call on them to help us provide Warren Easton's tradition of excellence to future generations of New Orleans school children."

The Foundation was especially interested in reaching out to those students who missed their senior year due to the hurricane. A senior recognition ceremony for the displaced class of 2006 was held June 11 at the Jefferson Orleans. Rather than honoring distinguished alumni, the entire class was inducted as a group into the Warren Easton Hall of Fame to celebrate their spirit during this difficult time. The event was featured on the NBC Nightly News.

The Warren Easton Senior High School Foundation's Board of Directors includes President, Billy Hatchett (Class of 1960); Vice President, Arthur Hardy (Class of 1965); Secretary, Dr. Rene Coman; Treasurer, Kenny Martin; Directors Ron Brocato, Sal Genovese (Class of 1969), Jeff Zapata (Class of 1966), Al Mipro (Class of 1954), Ronald McDonald (Class of 1954), Douglas Grubbs (Class of 1963).