Recovery School District: Transforming Education in Louisiana
The Recovery School District (RSD) is a specialized statewide public school district managed by the Louisiana Department of Education. Established in 2003, the RSD was created with a clear mission: to identify underperforming schools and transform them into effective learning environments that ensure children receive a quality education.
Operating under the motto "Excellence. Equity. Community.", the district serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade. While its impact is felt across the state, the RSD is most notably associated with the massive educational restructuring in New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Key Facts
- Established: 2003 via Act 9 of the Louisiana Legislature.
- Governance: Supervised by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
- Scope: Statewide authority, with primary offices in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
- Leadership: Led by Superintendent Patrick Dobard since January 2012.
- Primary Goal: To take over schools that fail to meet minimum academic standards for four consecutive years.
History and Evolution
The Foundation of the RSD
The RSD was born out of the 2003 regular legislative session when the Louisiana Legislature passed Act 9. Signed into law by Governor Kathleen Blanco in May 2003, this legislation empowered the state to intervene in failing schools. The first takeover occurred in 2004 with the Pierre Capdau School in New Orleans, which became the state's first Type 5 charter school (a charter school operated under the RSD).
Impact of Hurricane Katrina
The trajectory of the RSD changed drastically on August 29, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. The storm damaged or destroyed over 100 of the city's 128 school buildings. In response to the crisis, the Louisiana Legislature passed Act 35, leading the RSD to take over 102 of the 126 schools previously managed by the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) in November 2005.
Transition and Return to Local Control
Over the following decade, the RSD shifted its model toward charter management. By the 2015-16 period, the RSD governed 52 charter schools and no longer operated any direct-run schools. In 2018, the supervision of New Orleans schools was returned to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB).
Academic Achievement and Demographics
Measuring Success
Between 2008 and 2014, RSD schools showed significant academic growth. The percentage of students performing at a "basic" level or above increased by 29 percentage points, far outpacing the state average increase of 9 percentage points. Notable achievements include:
- Proficiency: In 4th and 8th grade retention grades, proficiency in math and English language arts more than doubled citywide.
- College Readiness: The percentage of 12th graders scoring 18 or higher on the ACT rose from 39% in 2011 to 49% in 2014.
Student Population
The RSD serves a diverse and often vulnerable student population. Data from 2014-15 indicates that the district serves over 95% African American students, 90% economically disadvantaged students, and over 11% special education students. Despite these challenges, enrollment in New Orleans steadily increased, though it remained at approximately 70% of pre-Katrina levels during that period.
District Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Type | Public (Statewide) |
| NCES District ID | 2200054 |
| Superintendent | Patrick Dobard |
| Governing Body | Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) |
| Service Areas | New Orleans, East Baton Rouge, Caddo, and Pointe Coupee parishes |
| Website | www.rsdla.net |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Recovery School District?
The RSD is designed to take over the operations of failing schools—specifically those that do not meet minimum academic standards for at least four consecutive years—to transform them into effective educational institutions.
Which parishes has the RSD operated in?
While heavily focused on New Orleans, the RSD has exercised its statewide authority in East Baton Rouge, Caddo, and Pointe Coupee parishes.
What happened to the RSD schools in New Orleans in 2018?
In 2018, the schools in New Orleans that were under the supervision of the Recovery School District were returned to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB).
Who leads the Recovery School District?
Since January 2012, the district has been led by Superintendent Patrick Dobard, who previously served as the deputy superintendent overseeing community engagement and education policy.
What is a Type 5 charter school?
A Type 5 charter school is a charter school that was taken over by the state and is operated under the management of the Recovery School District, as exemplified by the Pierre Capdau-UNO Charter School.