Education Board Debating Return Of RSD Schools

A divided panel of the state's top education board has backed a plan for when and how to return state-run public schools to local control. But the 4-2 vote doesn't ensure approval by the full 11-member board when it makes a final decision Thursday.

The issue largely affects New Orleans, which has most of the schools taken over by the state's Recovery School District because of poor performance.

Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek is proposing a path for returning schools to local governance — none before the 2012-13 school year and only after they meet a series of requirements and performance standards.

City leaders and parents objected Wednesday, saying Pastorek's plan has too many hurdles. Representatives of the Orleans Parish School Board say it violates the law setting up the RSD.