

What Washed Away
Aug 12, 2025
Discover the pre-Katrina chaos in New Orleans' education system, marked by corruption so severe that the FBI investigated. Follow the emotional journeys of educators as they evacuate and adapt to new challenges in Houston. Witness the transformative, yet contentious rise of charter schools post-disaster and the struggle to rebuild in a devastated community. Personal stories highlight the resilience of teachers and students faced with upheaval, shedding light on the complex realities of education amidst crisis.
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Katrina As Total City Collapse
- Katrina turned into a flood that collapsed the city and daily life.
- Families watched water rise past porches, windows, then roofs, losing homes and schools.
Academic System Breakdown Before Katrina
- Before Katrina, New Orleans schools ranked among the worst in Louisiana and the nation.
- Most students attended failing schools and only 56% graduated, showing widespread academic breakdown.
The 'Red Mustang' Sting
- Ken Ducote secretly fed evidence to the FBI using a coded 'red Mustang' ruse to avoid surveillance.
- His account shows bribery and monitoring had become routine in the central office.