Louisiana Charter Applications Decline

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The state has received fewer applications this year from those seeking to open new charter schools. But that's partly due to more applicants trying their luck with local school boards, which historically have been hostile to charters.

A spokesman for the LouisianaDepartment of Education said the agency has worked hard to persuade charter management organizations to consider setting up schools outside of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the area's most in demand until now, and to work with local school districts.

The Advocate reports the state released copies of the 22 applications submitted by the March 7 deadline.

Last year, 35 groups submitted applications to the state; 17 were approved.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com