The New Liberal Podcast

The Turnaround in New Orleans's schools ft. David Osborne

Nov 14, 2025
David Osborne, former director of the Reinventing America's Schools Project and filmmaker of the documentary 'Turnaround', dives into the remarkable transformation of New Orleans schools after Hurricane Katrina. He reveals the dire pre-Katrina conditions, the radical shift to charter schools, and the unique operational aspects that empower these institutions. Osborne discusses the measurable successes like improved graduation rates and the ongoing support from parents. He also tackles the complex dynamics with teachers' unions and the human costs of school closures.
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INSIGHT

Systemic Failure Before Katrina

  • New Orleans pre-Katrina was among the worst U.S. districts with rampant corruption and failing outcomes.
  • The system faced financial collapse and criminal indictments that made reform politically urgent.
ANECDOTE

Rebuild, Reopen, Rethink

  • After Katrina the state moved nearly all New Orleans schools into a recovery district to restart them as charters.
  • Rebuilding used temporary modular schools and a rapid push to reopen by fall 2007 amid chaotic returns.
INSIGHT

Autonomy Plus Accountability

  • Charters shift decision-making to principals and local boards, giving schools hiring, budget, and schedule control.
  • That autonomy pairs with performance contracts that enable real accountability and potential closure for failure.
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