Charter schools implement new initiatives

Charter schools in Lake Charles have new initiatives to make school better for students and parents.

It may seem early, but Lake Charles Charter Schools' Board of Trustees say they plan in advance for the upcoming school year based on the number of students who register and once grades are full, students are put on a waiting list. So, the recommend registering now.

Rev. Henry Mancuso, Executive Secretary for the Board of Trustees said, "We're trying to reach out to people early so in turn, they will plan early and register. Education is so important that we really want people to plan well for the education of their children."

They hope by combining all three schools into one new website, the registration process will be easier for parents.

"They'll also see that our three schools really are part of one family, one system. The schools each have their uniqueness but we are part of an effort to reach out and change the way education is provided in southwest Louisiana," said Mancuso.

Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy has new leadership. Dr. Latonya Harris has taken over the role as principal.

"Our leadership has to reflect our mission. We're very serious about that," said Board of Trustees President Judge Gene Thibodeaux.

The charter board has three new members: former Lake Charles Mayor and State Senator, Willie Mount, retired McNeese State University Economics Professor, Dr. Michael Kurth, and Director of La Familia resource center, Sylvia Stelly.

"We want all of these board members to bring those particular skill set to our board, we want to be an eclectic body and our board is reflective of the community at large," said Thibodeaux

After expressed interest for extended athletic programs by students, the schools now have a girls softball team, track and field, and junior and varsity basketball teams for girls and boys.

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