Schools daring to dream big

May 3, 2010

Houmatoday.com

Maura Donahue

Nearly five years after the Katrina tragedy, schools in New Orleans have been rebuilt around the principles of free enterprise, encouraging educators to dream big about what schools should accomplish and encouraging kids to dream big about the lives they can create for themselves.

The progress — and the way in which it was accomplished — we are so justifiably proud of here in Louisiana should make New Orleans schools a model for school districts across the country.

It is also a natural fit with the “American Free Enterprise. Dream Big.” campaign launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which is visiting cities across the country reminding us of the important role of free enterprise on our everyday lives.

That’s why the U.S. chamber is in New Orleans for a roundtable discussion with the leaders who embraced innovative, free-market education solutions.

The roundtable at the University of New Orleans is jointly sponsored by the Dream Big campaign and Greater New Orleans Inc.

The New Orleans education system put forth new standards for traditional schools and invited high-quality charter-school operators to come into New Orleans and be part of the rebuilding.

No other city offers parents the choice of sending kids to independent charter schools, state-run schools or schools run by local elected boards.

The campaign designated April as Enterprise and Education month to help focus America on the critical role of education in creating and filling the 20 million new jobs needed to keep the economy growing over the next decade.

As leaders gathered for the roundtable on Thursday, the state of Louisiana and the whole country should have sat up and taken notice of how the New Orleans school system has emerged.

The free-enterprise approach is giving children the kind of education that will improve their lives and their contribution to America’s future.

Maura Donahue

Former chair, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and vice president, DonahueFavret Contractors

Mandeville

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