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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 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 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)

5. McDonogh 35 District Guidelines for Long Term Proposals
Must serve freshman academy (9th grade) by not later than 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

6. McDonogh 35: School Operator Transition Timeline
Long-term operator, planning year
Transitional operator, grades 10-12
Long-term operator launches 9th grade academy
Transitional operator, grades 11-12
Long-term operator serving grades 9-10
Transitional operator grade 12, including summer graduates
Long-term operator serves grades 9-11 (including students eligible for early graduation)
Long-term operator serves all HS grades (9-12)

7. 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?