“Ever High, Even Higher”: Transitioning McDonogh 35 High School Alumni Association Meeting

The Need for Transition: The District’s Commitment to McDonogh 35 In order to restore McDonogh 35 to its rightful place as a leading public high school in New Orleans, we must begin the process of significant transformation at the school Given the district’s strategic shift in its core responsibilities, and the need for focused attention on the vital work of restoring McDonogh 35, we need to identify partners with the capacity to lead this revitalization OPSB is fully committed to the long-term future of McDonogh 35 HS through this work, and to renewing this school’s rich legacy and leading role within our community for its next 100 years OPSB is also fully committed to all currently-enrolled students at McDonogh 35, and to ensuring they have access to a high-quality educational experience at the school during this period of transition

The District’s Commitment: OPSB’s Vision for the Future of McDonogh 35 Academically rigorous curriculum, including course requirements above state-minimum standards (TOPS University Diploma) By end of 10th grade, students have Completed all state-mandated EOC coursework Completed a college-prep exam experience (PSAT, ACT Aspire) During 11th and 12th grade, all students have Access to strong, personalized counseling support to select course pathways and identify post-secondary opportunities Access to multiple AP and/or dual enrollment opportunities, including offerings in all core academic subject areas Access to multiple advanced credential pathways (JumpStart) Honor, maintain, and advance the McDonogh 35 legacy and tradition Legacy of academic excellence and success for students School name, color, symbols maintained Co-curricular and extracurricular offerings, including R.O.T.C and athletics programs Engage and work with the 35 Alumni Association to ensure the success of the school Recognition of history and formal structures for continued engagement Engage and work with parents to ensure the success of the school

McDonogh 35 Transition Process During Spring 2018, OPSB will manage a RFP process that plans for the transition of McDonogh 35 out of direct-run status for the 2018-19 SY, while securing and enhancing the school’s legacy of excellence for the next century This process will involve two separate solicitations, with a finalized plan for the transition of McDonogh 35 to be presented to the School Board and community by not later than May 2018 Transitional entity, to ensure all current students are appropriately served during the transition period Long-term entity, to operate the school, starting with a 9th grade academy in 2019, and growing to serve all HS grades via non-charter “contract” The district will take initial steps to facilitate this transition during Spring 2018 No 9th grade students will be admitted to McDonogh 35 during the current OneApp enrollment cycle Enrollment in grades 10-12 at McDonogh 35 will be restricted to only students who currently attend the school (i.e., no new students will be admitted in these grades)

McDonogh 35 District Guidelines for Long Term Proposals Must serve freshman academy (9th grade) by not later than 2019-20 school year, and grow to serve all HS grade levels thereafter Must work with the alumni association and families to provide support to ensure the success of the school Must demonstrate alignment with adopted OPSB Vision & Goals, and the district’s vision for the future of McDonogh 35 School Quality (Goals 2,5): High-quality curriculum and effective instructional practices, aligned to the district’s vision for McDonogh 35, to ensure all students graduate college and career ready HS Quality & Program Diversity (Goals 3, 4. 6): Access to rigorous HS coursework, including AP/college level courses, advanced math and science courses (Physics, Calculus); robust extracurricular activities including R.O.T.C., athletics program Equity (Goal 1): intentional socio-economic diversity in the student body, including recruitment strategies that students not currently attending public HS

McDonogh 35: School Operator Transition Timeline 2018-19 Long-term operator, planning year Transitional operator, grades 10-12 2019-20 Long-term operator launches 9th grade academy Transitional operator, grades 11-12 2020-21 Long-term operator serving grades 9-10 Transitional operator grade 12, including summer graduates 2021-22 Long-term operator serves grades 9-11 (including students eligible for early graduation) 2022-23 Long-term operator serves all HS grades (9-12)

Frequently Asked Questions Why now? If OPSB does not directly-run McDonogh 35, who will run it? What about the current students? What is the short term and long term situation? What is the alumni association’s role in this? Why are you not having 9th grade What about sports and extra curricular activities? What about the teachers?