TABLE OF CONTENTS
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EAST NEW ORLEANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Editor Topher Balfer Art Director Ali Sullivan East NOLA BDD Chairman Sean Bruno East NOLA BDD Communications Committee Lynnette White-Colin, Troy Henry, Sean Bruno, Mtumishi St. Julien, Karen Coaxum Contributing Writers Misty Milioto Contributing Photographers Cheryl Gerber, Mike Lirette Account Executive Becca Farnell 504-830-7219 Becca@myneworleans.com Production Manager Emily Andras Production Designers Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney Traffic Coordinator Jeremiah Michel Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne TEACHER OF THE YEAR STEPHEN GOODLY PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER
4 Letter From the Chairman About East New Orleans BDD
18 BUSINESSES IN THE EAST AT&T #BelieveNewOrleans
6 Executive Committee & Board Members
20 LIVING IN THE EAST Castle Manor
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Investment in Education
12
Lake Castle Private School
22 LIVING IN THE EAST Donna Villa
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St. Mary’s Academy
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Lake Forest Charter School
16 Teacher of the Year Stephen Goodly
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The EAST New Orleans
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27
Investors & Acknowledgements
Executive Vice President/ Editor in Chief Errol Laborde President Alan Campbell Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan
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Published by Renaissance Publishing LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 • www.myneworleans.com
By the Numbers
28
Photo Gallery
31
Member Levels & Benefits
32
Member Application
Copyright 2020 The EAST, East New Orleans Business Development and Renaissance Publishing LLC. Postage Paid at New Orleans and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to East NOLA BDD, 7240 Crowder Blvd #301, New Orleans, LA 70127. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine’s managers, owners or publisher. ENOBDD is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.
ABOUT EAST NOLA BDD
LETTER FROM THE 2020 CHAIRMAN
T
he East New Orleans Business Development District (ENOBDD) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 established to foster, coordinate and catalyze initiatives that improve the business climate and quality of life in East New Orleans through new business development, infrastructure improvements, and image enhancement, in order to grow good jobs in The East, attract investment, facilitate growth in tax revenues and the overall economy in the City of New Orleans. The 13-member board of ENOBDD is comprised of a cross section of experienced business executives and respected civic leaders, whose track records have garnered community support, public and private sector partnerships and other diverse resources to implement a targeted economic revitalization strategy for East New Orleans. COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL DEVELOPMENT The organization is strategically focused on attracting new business, retail and commercial development along existing commercial corridors in The East.
BLIGHT, BEAUTIFICATION & QUALITY OF LIFE ENOBDD works toward improving the appeal and marketability of major commercial corridors in The East. The organization continues to work with Code Enforcement at the city of New Orleans to eliminate commercial and residential blight. Additionally, community “clean-up” events are implemented throughout the year. Regular communication is maintained with the Department of Public Works for infrastructure improvements and repair, as well as the New Orleans Police Department for accountability in public safety.
IMAGE ENHANCEMENT AND BRANDING Although one of the largest communities in the city and home to many of its recognizable assets, New Orleans East has long endured unfavorable branding. ENOBDD has been at the forefront of reversing this trend by communicating with media organizations on how they report on The East. The organization is requesting a change in how maps of the East are drawn, to affect more accuracy in information reported about East New Orleans, especially as it relates to crime. Additionally, members of the ENOBDD board have developed a report card to grade city agencies on public services and their responses to needs in our community.
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The EAST New Orleans
Sean M. Bruno Chairman 2019
Dear Readers,
Who would have thought, when we first set out to celebrate education in New Orleans East, that we would find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic by the time our magazine reached newsstands? At the time of writing this letter, we’re facing school closures through the end of the academic year, and the journey past that is still rife with uncertainties. However, times such as these should serve as a reminder that it’s more important than ever to invest in the future: in our children, in our next workforce and in the next leaders of our community. Doing that means continuing to prioritize educational programs and opportunities, and continuing to pave the way for future generations. Given the right tools and attention, our children can ensure we make the strides necessary to reach a brighter, bolder future. Even in times of darkness and turmoil, their power, passion and potential serves as a beacon — and a much needed assurance — that we can emerge stronger and wiser. We have done it before, as you will see in these pages, and we will do it again. Hurricane Katrina’s impact on New Orleans East is still felt today, but our community has worked hard to restore and revitalize our educational system. Our students now have access to new and upgraded facilities, and our educators, like High School Teacher of the Year Stephen Goodly, are setting the tone for leadership statewide. It can be all too easy to feel defeated in the face of yet another hardship, but giving up is not the New Orleans way, and it is certainly not the New Orleans East way. Through it all, we remain united and focused on reaching even greater heights. We don’t just do it for ourselves: we do it for anyone who will ever call New Orleans East home. We hope this issue of The East magazine sparks a light inside each of our readers and reminds us all that greatness can be achieved right here and right now. All we have to do is reach out our hands and lead the way. Sincerely, Sean Bruno, Chairman East New Orleans Business Development District
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD MEMBERS
Sean M. Bruno Chairperson 2019 Sean M. Bruno CPA
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Lynnette White-Colin Vice Chairperson New Orleans Business Alliance
J.C. Celestin Treasurer Celestin Enterprise, Inc.
Mtumishi St. Julien Secretary The Finance Authority of N.O. (Ret.)
Karen Nabonne Coaxum Board Member Coaxum Enterprises, Inc.
Anthony Bridges Board Member Fidelity Bank
Bradley Pipes Board Member Cox Communications
Dwight Barnes Board Member Crescent Crown Distributing
Jerry Cook Board Member Folgers Coffee
Sheila Glass Board Member Franklin Avenue Baptist Church
Troy Henry Board Member Henry Consulting, LLC
The EAST New Orleans
Wade Verges Board Member Wade T. Verges Construction Co.
COVER STORY |
BY MISTY MILIOTO
INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION
Schools in New Orleans East benefit from the largest school recovery program in the history of the United States.
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The EAST New Orleans
BY MISTY MILIOTO
T
he educational environment in New Orleans East has come a long way over the past two decades, both in terms of infrastructure, curriculum and student performance. As new businesses, investors and residents move into the area, New Orleans East is poised to reach even greater heights — and in light of this economic growth, it becomes increasingly important to usher in a stronger workforce that is prepared to succeed in modern roles. Great strides have already been taken. Schools in the East are making deliberate efforts to expand extracurricular activities and to maintain student/teacher ratios that enable personalized attention and nurturing (see pages 14–17). The 2019 Louisiana Teacher of the Year has made it his personal mission to serve as a positive role model for young boys in the East (see page 18), and AT&T is leading an effort to train and educate the adult workforce in STEM-related fields (see page 20). The journey there wasn’t always easy, and it took the combined efforts of several organizations like the Recovery School District (RSD), the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) and CSRS to get us where we are now. But now that the foundation has been laid, one thing is certain: The East is seeing yet another revitalization, and for students, teachers, and parents, the best is yet to come.
HOW WE GOT HERE: THE RECOVERY EFFORT
It all started in 2003, when the Louisiana Legislature created the RSD — a division of the Louisiana Department of Education — with the mission of improving the lowest performing schools in the state. Even before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005, many of the Crescent City’s schools, especially in New Orleans East,
were in major need of redevelopment and overall improvement in student performance. Prior to the hurricane, RSD took over low-performing schools to improve academics. Then, when Hurricane Katrina severely damaged or destroyed more than 100 school buildings in the city, students had nowhere to go. The RSD’s mission then shifted from test scores to providing clean, dry and safe buildings for students. In 2007, the RSD turned to CSRS (in a joint venture with Jacobs Project Management Co.) to embark on a journey to rebuild the city’s schools. RSD and OPSB reached an unprecedented $1.8 billion FEMA settlement in 2010 — the largest school recovery program in the history of the United States — to fund a more comprehensive construction plan. With the settlement, the RSD was equipped with a streamlined and efficient funding process, along with the necessary funding to make significant progress on the school board’s School Facilities Master Plan (SFMP). In addition to FEMA funding, CSRS helped the RSD secure funding from a number of other sources, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Community Development Block Grants, and historic and new markets tax credits. Together, these funding sources have been crucial to helping the RSD in its mission to rebuild New Orleans’ schools. In 2011, the RSD and OPSB implemented a comprehensive amendment process focused on transforming the SFMP into a true Recovery Plan that would better meet the needs of more students. The amendments included assessing available revenue; updating and analyzing student demographic projections to accommodate changing repopulation patterns in the city; and developing a clear plan for selecting projects to undertake. As part of the process, the RSD held a minimum of three community meetings for each new
| COVER STORY
or renovated school to collect community feedback on the proposed amendments and consulted numerous experts and school operators to develop educational and technical specifications. OPSB and BESE approved the amendments in October 2011. Then, in 2012, the RSD and OPSB set goals to ensure Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) would be able to participate in the rebuilding of New Orleans’ schools. This federal program under the Department of Transportation provides small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts. As of March 2015, the RSD and OPSB secured $146.2 million in DBE contracts, with more than 100 business participating in the program. And 25 percent of all projects bid since June 2012 have gone to DBEs, thereby benefiting small businesses in the local economy. “Utilizing extensive community input, along with [the] historic FEMA agreement, schools are rebuilt in a way that best serves the city’s population, and not simply returned to their pre-disaster condition,” says Annie Cambria, Chief Operating Officer, Education Facilities Development for the RSD. “The SFMP capital program includes many dynamic approaches: the first state agency to implement a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program; the first to utilize alternative construction delivery methods such as Construction Management at Risk; and the first to stack multiple funding sources, such as historic and new markets tax credits to supplement federal grant funding.” Between 2007 and 2016, the RSD renewed its contract with CSRS and Jacobs three times and worked through three phases of the SFMP capital program. The result was more than 3.8 million square feet of renovated or new educational spaces, and 35,175 new or refurbished student seats.
EastNolabdd.com
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COVER STORY |
BY MISTY MILIOTO
$47,378
Edward R. Livingston HS (currently
operating as Livingston Collegiate Academy)
7301 Dwyer Road
$36,873
Ernest Morial Elementary School (currently operating as KIPPMorial School) 7701 Grant Street
$39,682
Fannie C. Williams Middle School (currently operating as Fannie C. Williams Charter School) 11755 Dwyer Road
Gaudet Elementary School (permanently closed)
12000 Hayne Boulevard
$3,808 $9,383
Henry C. Schaumburg Elementary School (currently operating as ReNEW
Schaumburg Elementary) 9501 Grant Street
Holy Cross Modulars
(at current Abramson Sci Academy location) 5552 Read Boulevard
$360 $26,313
Little Woods Elementary School
(now operating as ReNEWDolores T. Aaron Academy) 10200 Curran Boulevard
$59,699
Marion Abramson High School / New Orleans East Abramson
(currently operating as Abramson Sci Academy) 5552 Read Boulevard
$35,196
Ray Abrams Elementary School
(currently operating as KIPPEast Community Primary) 6519 Virgilian Street
$15,480
Sarah T. Reed High School
(currently operating as Einstein Charter High School at Sarah Towles Reed) 5316 Michoud Boulevard
$31,090
Sherwood Forest Elementary School (currently operating as Einstein
Charter School at Sherwood Forest) 4801 Maid Marion Drive
Village De L’est (currently operating as Einstein Charter School at Village De L’est) 5100 Cannes Street
$6,602 $25,284
New PK-8 at Kenilworth Park/ Curran Site (currently operating as
Robert Russa Moton Charter School) 8500 Curran Boulevard
$37,750
New Lake Forest School at Greater St. Stephens Site (currently operating as Lake Forest Elementary Charter School)
11110 Lake Forest Boulevard
New Construction
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The EAST New Orleans
Demolished for New Construction
Refurbishment
Temporary Modular Campus
Contents
BY MISTY MILIOTO
LOOKING TO THE EAST: REBUILDING AND REVITALIZING Approximately $375 million were invested in New Orleans East following the FEMA settlement, allowing for long overdue changes to be made to existing schools, as well as new constructions and innovations to be brought into the area. Some examples have included the demolition of Livingston Middle School and the construction of Edward R. Livingston High School, now rebranded as the Livingston Collegiate Academy; a new roof and new windows at ReNew Schaumburg, formerly known as Henry C. Schaumburg Elementary; and the construction of Einstein Charter School at Sherwood Forest (a brand new PreK-8 school). The school in most need of funding was Marion Abramson High School. It received close to $59.7 million and included the demolition of the existing school, the construction of a temporary modular campus, and the new construction of the school (now known as Abramson Sci Academy). This massive reinvestment in new and renovated schools has resulted in the city’s graduation rate rising from 54 percent pre-Katrina to 72.8 percent by 2017. In 2005, only 33 percent of New Orleans students scored basic or above on state assessments for elementary and middle school. In 2017, that percentage rose to 53 percent, reducing the performance gap between New Orleans and the state from 24 percent in 2005 to 9 percent in 2017. Moreover, since 2005, New Orleans has increased the percentage of high school graduates enrolling in college the fall after their graduation from 37 percent up to 61 percent in 2017. Meanwhile, another school — North Kenilworth, currently named Robert Russa Moton Charter School — was developed in New Orleans East by OPSB rather than CSRS to double down on growth efforts in
the area. The new facility was completed in 2016 with funds from FEMA. “It was a $21 million budgeted project listed in the first phase of schools to be built in 2008 under the city’s Master Plan,” Smith says. “However, it was the last school to be built before the funds ran out. At a low point in 2018, the school received a failing School Performance Score for the first time. In 2019, under new administration, the school improved by a letter grade and is on the rise again. Moton’s reputation remained strong in spite of the temporary decline.” Moton — a performing arts and technology-themed school — has received all of the innovations promised in the district’s Master Plan. Modernizations for all PreK-12 facilities include appropriately sized classrooms; science labs; LEED Silver certification; dining halls with full serving kitchens; spaces designed for the arts; media centers; competition gymnasiums; auditorium performance space; special needs and resource rooms; and more. In its current location, the enrollment is approximately 462 students in grades PreK-8. According to Smith, this enrollment represents an increase of more than 80 students from 2018-19. Other school improvements in New Orleans East included the new construction of Lake Forest Charter School; the $35 million demolition and construction of KIPP East Community Primary, formerly Ray Abrams Elementary School, which is outfitted with science labs, a media center, music rooms and a stage; the demolition and new construction of Ernest Morial Elementary School, now known as KIPP Morial School; and the demolition and construction of Edward Livingston High School, now known as Livingston Collegiate Academy. As shown in the following infographic, more than a dozen schools in New Orleans East benefitted from the $1.8 billion settlement and the School Facilities Master Plan.
| COVER STORY
PREPARING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE: KEEPING THE MOMENTUM Today, the RSD’s role in New Orleans consists of fulfilling its continued responsibility for the completion of the Schools Facilities Master Plan, with projects in the East nearing ultimate completion. “All of the schools in the School Facilities Master Plan in New Orleans East are complete except for the demolition of the Sarah T. Reed modular campus, which will be completed this summer,” Cambria says. “The completion of the Master Plan will result in 79 new, renovated or refurbished school facilities. All of the new and renovated structures have been built to ADA standards, with light and air quality vastly improved and energy-efficiency greatly enhanced.” With the significant investment made by RSD to rebuild schools in the city, the Orleans Parish Schools in New Orleans East are well-prepared to meet the city’s educational needs for decades to come, all while providing the infrastructure to support students and permanent jobs in the local economy. It may have taken a disaster to spur this long-awaited change, but New Orleans East is nothing if not resilient, and officials and residents alike have worked hard to turn the tides for the community. And with improving student scores and college enrollment rates, schools in New Orleans East will continue to attract growing numbers of students and teachers who can now benefit from vastly improved facilities as compared to pre-Katrina schools. All of these benefits combined promise increased economic growth for New Orleans East — and for the entire region — as students go on to join the workforce equipped with 21st century skills.
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PROFILE |
BY MISTY MILIOTO
Lake Castle Private School New Orleans STUDENTS LEAVE LAKE CASTLE PREPARED FOR THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS AND ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS HIGH SCHOOLS IN NEW ORLEANS.
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have similar philosophies, which are also compatible with the school’s,” McGovern says. “We expect that the investment parents make in their children’s education will pay off tremendously in the opportunities available to them later because of their academic achievement.” With a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1, parents can expect that their investment in a private education is being put to full use. For instance, the school strategically uses books that are at least one grade level ahead so that students are practicing reading and comprehension at a more advanced rate. Pre-kindergarteners learn to read (phonics based, not sight reading), and kindergarteners learn to do three-digit addition. “We have a full grammar class each day in addition to a reading class, not a combined ELA class,” McGovern says. “Moreover, students at Lake Castle learn good study and organizational habits, the importance of helping others, and the vital skill of using good manners and treating one another with respect.”
Students at Lake Castle are taught not only to understand material that is presented, but also to express their ideas in an articulate and concise way through oral presentations. Students also learn how to calculate advanced mathematical problems and how to apply those concepts in logical ways. Computer classes, taught once per week from kindergarten through 8th grade, teach students typing skills and how to use programs for writing MLA research papers or to create digital presentations. “We take great effort to make sure students are treated well every day,” McGovern says. “Not only is Lake Castle an academically advanced school, but it is also a nice and happy place to be. Important to note, Lake Castle does not receive (or ask for) money from the city, state or federal government. We do not get free books, lunch, transportation or anything. I am not aware of one private or parochial school with lower tuition than Lake Castle’s. I am pretty proud of that fact.”
PHOTOS BY CHERYL GERBER
A top private school in New Orleans, Lake Castle offers education for Pre-K through 8th grade, preparing students to excel at top-rated high schools such as Ben Franklin, Jesuit, Dominican, Brother Martin and Mt. Carmel. “We compete in several city-wide competitions and perform at a superior level,” says Jane McGovern, principal at Lake Castle Private School New Orleans. “We have won many first-place individual and team awards at the Cabrini High School Invitational Tournament, the Brother Martin MiddleSchool Math Competition and the De La Salle High School Invitational. In addition, we are routinely the highest-ranking team in New Orleans in the Mathcounts competition, sponsored by the Corps of Engineers; and we have won first place several times, including last year, at the Brother Martin Quiz Bowl Tournament, which includes teams from all over the metro New Orleans area.” The school, which is easily accessible from New Orleans East, Lakeview, Chalmette and Gentilly, features a computer lab with 40 computers, a spacious gym and a swimming pool. Lake Castle also offers numerous clubs and teams for various grade levels, including drama, art, photography, travel, science, current events, flag football, basketball, dance, volleyball and many more. Furthermore, the campus has a gate-access system in place for safety and security, meaning guests must be buzzed in during school hours. Lake Castle also is deeply rooted in tradition, following the ideals of its founding principal, Clendon J. Butera, who believed in working hard, being fair, having high expectations of oneself and others, and using one’s talents to make a difference in the world. “It can be said that a main reason Lake Castle is so successful is that the parents here
BY MISTY MILIOTO
| PROFILE
St. Mary’s Academy STUDENTS AT ST. MARY’S ACADEMY ARE INSPIRED TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL CONTRIBUTORS IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY. Founded and administered by the Sisters of the Holy Family, St. Mary’s Academy first opened Dec. 3, 1867 in the French Quarter. In the 1960s, the school moved from its 717 Orleans Avenue address to its permanent home on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East. Ever since its founding, St. Mary’s Academy has prepared its student population for college and beyond. In fact, St. Mary’s Academy has had 100-percent graduation and college acceptance rates for more than 10 years. St. Mary’s Academy suffered a devastating blow during Hurricane Katrina, when five to six feet of water and sludge inundated the campus. In 2006, the school held classes at Xavier Prep for a few months and then moved classes to the former St. James Major School. At that time, St. Mary’s Academy also expanded its curriculum to help accommodate students and families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. While the student body had formerly been comprised of all girls, the elementary and middle schools, Pre-K through 7th, became co-educational, while the high school continued its legacy as an all-girls private school for grades 8 through 12. “Being in an all-girl environment allows young ladies to focus, grow and develop with fewer distractions,” says Pamela Rogers, assistant principal at St. Mary’s Academy. “The girls are able to fully develop themselves academically and personally, enhance their self-discipline, sharpen their leadership skills and are positioned to compete with confidence academically. In addition, girls are empowered and groomed to become successful and achieve their full potential.” In 2007, St. Mary’s Academy moved into modular buildings on its permanent campus on Chef Menteur Highway. “We received funding from FEMA [after the hurricane] to replace the school building that had to be demolished,” Rogers says. “The new structure opened in 2011. The permanent campus is a state-of-the-art facility, built with input from the student body and designed to inspire learning. We will complete our permanent campus with a new elementary school, expected to be completed in the Fall of 2021.” A jewel in New Orleans East, St. Mary’s Academy is surrounded by a park-like setting. The average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1, meaning students are given more individual attention
than is possible in larger classrooms. In addition to providing a strong college preparatory foundation, the school offers an ideal mix of spirituality, academics and extracurricular activities. St. Mary’s Academy offers more than 45 clubs, organizations and outside programs. In addition, all students are encouraged to become a part of at least two extracurricular activities and required to participate in a community service projects on an annual basis. “Students are provided with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills through participation in student council, organizational and extracurricular activities, mock trials and program development,” Rogers says. “All are encouraged to create and develop new organiza-
tions that are of interest to the student population.” In order to prepare students for the future, St. Mary’s Academy elevates its classes with modern technology. Students also are taught to live Christian values, think critically, give service and act responsibly in a global society. The importance of receiving a Catholic education, according to Rogers, is that the curriculum also includes daily prayer, strong Christian values, high academic standards and a safe school environment. “We also teach compassion, liberation, healing and empowerment to all,” she says. “These are a strong part of the charism of the Sisters of the Holy Family and serve as a foundation for their work in the community and at St. Mary’s Academy.” EastNolabdd.com
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PROFILE |
BY MISTY MILIOTO
Lake Forest Charter School ONE OF THE TOP PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS IN NEW ORLEANS EAST OFFERS AN INTEGRATED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE. Lake Forest Charter School, which previously operated as Lake Forest Montessori School, was granted its public charter for grades grades K-8 in January 2006. After seeing her neighborhood and her prior school devastated by Hurricane Katrina, founding CEO Mardele S. Early was determined to open a school in New Orleans East as soon as possible — and Lake Forest Charter School was the first public school to open in the area. In January 2016, Lake Forest relocated from a small, outdated facility to a new state-of-the-art campus on the southwest corner of Lake Forest Boulevard and Wright Road. Lake Forest Charter emphasizes the creative arts and health and wellness as a
way to develop complete young adults who are prepared for the 21st century. “Students who are solely focused on academics are not being properly prepared to compete with their counterparts,” Early says. “The secondary and collegiate educational experience is no longer segregated to the classroom. As our world continues to shrink, and global competition and collaboration becomes the norm, we must introduce our students to forms of enrichment that allow them to converse and interact on multiple levels.” Lake Forest Charter also places importance on community service and active parental involvement. In so doing, the aim is to educate and raise socially conscious and communityminded children and young adults.
“When we introduce Lake Forest Charter to our new parents and families, we make sure to emphasize how important they are to this process,” Early says. “Education and knowledge will help a child to change his or her situation, but community involvement will help a person to change the world. At Lake Forest, not only do we want to make a difference in each of our student’s lives, we are committed to producing the next generation of innova-
PHOTOS BY CHERYL GERBER
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The EAST New Orleans
tors, entrepreneurs and global inf luencers.” Lake Forest Charter currently has a student population of 660, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 20:1. Students are exposed to an accelerated curriculum — one that Early says is not easily mastered, but which challenges both teachers and students to become the best version of themselves. Students are taught to embrace education and strive to succeed in every aspect of life through research-based strategies, differentiated and individualized instruction, community service, a strong creative arts component, and unwavering parental and community support. Technological advancement also plays a key role at Lake Forest Charter. For example, touch-screen Promethean boards encourage interactive learning via experimentation and group project assignments that introduce collaboration and problem-solving to students. Lake Forest Charter also offers science and arts classes based on the STEM model, and the school’s yearly science fair pushes students to explore STEM ideas and concepts. Other extracurricular activities include music,
photography, chess, etiquette, drama, art, creative writing, reading clubs and sports (volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, f lag football and cross country). A gymnasium with a curtained stage and a performance room play host to musical ensembles, and a new Outdoor Recreation Complex is currently in the works that will expose students and the community to other sports like golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis and swimming. According to Early, Lake Forest Charter is an Arated school and the highest performing K-8 school in the state. Honors include national and state recognition as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School for consistent high student performance, National Title 1 Distinguished School for 2009 and 2015 and the 2010 Louisiana School Character Education Award granted by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. “Additionally, every year many of our seventh-grade students are inducted into the Duke University Talent Identification Program,” Early says. “The students score 800 or above on the LEAP test, which is the 95th percentile in Duke’s Talent Search Program.”
TEACHER OF THE YEAR |
BY MISTY MILIOTO
Passion for Success STEPHEN GOODLY EMBODIES LEADERSHIP AS THE LOUISIANA STATE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR.
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The EAST New Orleans
Excellence (2018), New Orleans Teacher of Excellence (2018), Chevron Teacher of the Week (2018), Teacher of the Year (2002, 2017), Stand for Children (2017), Mathematics Teacher of Distinction (2001) and Outstanding Teacher Tandy Technology Scholars (1996). Although he has received these accolades, his greatest accomplishments come from the comments he receives from children, such as “You are the reason I like math.” One particular instance that exemplifies Goodly’s work with students actually had nothing to do with math. Instead, a student that he mentored was honored as king of the school’s cotillion; he looked sharp in his white tuxedo, gold cape and crown. However, the soles of his white shoes came unglued. “We tried gluing them back together,” Goodly says. “We even contacted the tuxedo company to bring another pair. I told him to wear my shoes. He told me, ‘No, your shoes are black; I have on a white tuxedo with white shoes.’ I told him, ‘If you wear my shoes, no one will notice, and, if they do, it will stand out and you will look good.’ He
put my shoes on, and I walked around with no shoes. Eventually, almost an hour later, after his entrance and performance, another pair of shoes was brought for him to wear. When I tried to get my shoes back, he did not want to switch. I ended up wearing the white shoes for the rest of the event.” Goodly now serves as the 9th Grade Academy Principal for McDonogh 35 Senior High School (from which he graduated in 1987). As a native of New Orleans East, he has lived in the Michoud, Castle Manor and Spring Lake/Kenilworth area. In addition to his strong stance on education, he also believes New Orleans East — once home to Lincoln Beach, Six Flags and The Plaza — has enormous potential for growth. “I have a growth and hope mindset, and, as long as I embody these qualities, New Orleans East can expand to be a pillar of the entire New Orleans community,” Goodly says. While education is his main focus, Goodly also loves to reach, play chess and pray. Once his youngest child graduates from college, he plans to retire and travel the world with his wife.
PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER
It should come as no surprise that 2019 Louisiana State High School Teacher of the Year, Stephen Goodly, cares deeply about educating America’s youth. He believes that all children deserve a quality education so that they are equipped to obtain any job they so choose. “This may sound cliché, but I truly believe the children are our future,” he says. “My belief is that the biggest investment that one can make is investing in children. All schools, educators and stakeholders should work toward ensuring that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, religion and sexual orientation, receive the best education possible.” As a math teacher for the past 25 years, Goodly has always had the primary focus of building relationships with his students and serving as a role model for young men. It is this focus that Goodly believes led him to being named as the State High School Teacher of the Year for his work at Warren Easton Charter High School. “Many of the males that I have encountered have come from homes where they were raised by a single mother, or their father was either incarcerated or deceased,” Goodly says. “It became extremely important to me that I model and teach them how to be men. Teaching young men how to respect themselves and others has always been important to me, mainly because of the incarceration rate for African American males.” Over the years, Goodly has earned numerous awards for his work in education, including the Shirley Solomon Teacher of
BUSINESS IN THE EAST
AT&T Makes Substantial Investment in New Orleans East through its #BelieveNewOrleans Initiative Through Believe New Orleans, the men and women of AT&T in New Orleans are working with community leaders and organizations to impact historic New Orleans East, to combat poverty and support residents who are pursuing greater opportunities. With this new support, AT&T has committed nearly $400,000 among organizations that ref lect the organization’s passion for — and commitment to — the future of New Orleans East.
Strength of New Orleans Comes from the People who Believe in this City ARTICLE CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL J. RUFFIN, REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF AT&T LOUISIANA
With the holidays behind us, and here in the early days of the Mardi Gras season, I have always thought that this is the time of year to catch my breath and collect my thoughts – to take time to appreciate this great city and to focus on how the people who call New Orleans home are making a difference in our community. Perhaps more so than in years past, in 2019, as the lead for AT&T’s Believe New Orleans campaign, I had a front row seat to the impact men and women across this city are having on our
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The EAST New Orleans
future. I saw example after example of men and women who Believe in New Orleans. Just a few weeks ago, Dr. Calvin Mackie and his STEM NOLA team hosted nearly 450
BUSINESS IN THE EAST
young people from across the city at their 7th Annual STEM fest. My colleagues and I joined with dozens of other volunteers from across the city, supporting STEM NOLA as they offered young people the opportunity to explore science in new ways, to experience the technology behind a variety of applications, and to engage in engineering activities in ways that make STEM learning and STEM careers – not just a dream – but a true possibility for young people. At the same time, the Urban League of Louisiana — through their Scale UP! Louisiana program — has been hard at work preparing area entrepreneurs for even greater successes. In 2019, they provided counseling, education, mentorship, access to funding and other resources to New Orleans East and other local small business owners, giving them the tools
to help them build scalable and profitable businesses. And later this month, the Urban League of Louisiana is launching round two of Scale UP! Louisiana, continuing to inspire innovation across New Orleans. Throughout the year, the team at the New Orleans Business Alliance worked with many residents across New Orleans East through their STRIVE NOLA project, developing important career skills to help residents find entry-level positions in sustainable jobs. This kind of work is vital to growing our local economy and continuing to build stability in the community. These represent just a few examples of the tremendous work that the men and women of New Orleans are doing to build better futures. On top of that, whether it’s the folks at
the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) who are supporting youth and families, leadership at the Lake Forest Charter School, beautification crews working with the East New Orleans Business Development District, or the inspiring and community-building men and women of the New Orleans Regional Black and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, there is amazing work being done by those who Believe in New Orleans. And as the world turns their gaze to our wonderful city in the coming weeks, it is important that we recognize and appreciate that work. I am proud to live in this city, and I am proud of the work being done across the city to strengthen our economy and to cultivate a better future for our residents.
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LIVING IN THE EAST |
BY MISTY MILIOTO
» Pictured is David
Reed in front of his recently purchased home in Castle Manor.
New Beginnings IN NEW ORLEANS EAST’S QUIET CASTLE MANOR SUBDIVISION, A LOCAL COUPLE HOPES FOR PROGRESS
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The EAST New Orleans
“The homes are not cookie cutter,” he says. “The neighborhood is quiet and settled. There aren’t people hanging out on the streets. We were surprised to find such a quiet neighborhood in this area.” When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans East, Castle Manor was one of the many neighborhoods affected by flooding. “Then, about three years ago, that tornado hit this area,” David says. “Right now, the neighborhood is about 95 percent back to normal. There are no vacant homes, but there are some vacant lots where homes used to be.” In addition to being located near his job at Joe Brown Park, David is happy that Castle Manor is close to basic necessities, such as Winn-Dixie. However, he and Yolanda would like to see more
PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER
When David and Yolanda Reed — he originally from Chicago and she from Westwego — first married in 1985, they called the Westbank home. They lived there until Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, when they evacuated to a small town in Florida and remained there until 2013. Upon their return to New Orleans, David, who was hired as the aquatics manager at Joe Brown Park, needed to find a place to live within the area (rather than on the West Bank) as a requirement of the job. He and Yolanda rented a home in the Ninth Ward near Carver High School while they searched for a home to purchase, and in May 2019, they finally found a comfortable home in Castle Manor. David says that most of the homes in Castle Manor were built in the 1970s and ’80s, and they are all unique.
businesses open in the area. “In order to do serious shopping, we have to drive about 20 minutes to Slidell, Metairie or Uptown,” David says. “It’s a good central location, but it would be great if New Orleans East could attract more big boxes and small businesses.” Through his work at Joe Brown Park, David is heavily involved and engaged with the area’s youth. Even with the amenities at Joe Brown Park and the Audubon Nature Center, he says that New Orleans East also needs private investment for youth activities. Yolanda agrees that there should also be more entertainment options for families and kids. “We need options like movie theaters, bowling alleys and skating rinks,” she says. “Those types of businesses would draw and keep families here.” Yolanda also would like to see renovations for the abandoned buildings that were destroyed during Hurricane Katrina so that businesses can move in. “New businesses would bring more jobs and help the overall community.” Currently, Yolanda drives nearly an hour to Gretna for her job as a case manager and probation officer for Jefferson Parish. David, who enjoys spending time outdoors, and Yolanda, who is a self-proclaimed homebody (she prefers to scrapbook and read), have five children who are all now grown. One daughter also lives in New Orleans East.
LIVING IN THE EAST |
BY MISTY MILIOTO
» Ronnie LeJeune in
Donna Villa Subdivision
Community Pride DONNA VILLA SUBDIVISION IS KNOWN FOR BEING FRIENDLY, PEACEFUL, QUIET AND CLEAN.
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The EAST New Orleans
sister’s house in Covington. He returned to his home in New Orleans East in December 2006. He took over ownership and rebuilt his family’s home within a subdivision known for its sense of community. “My street came back a lot faster than most,” LeJeune says. “Virtually all homes on my block are owned and occupied by the original homeowners or second owners. It’s all the same people and the same community I have known for so many years. We are right across from Resurrection [of Our Lord Elementary School], and it is a stable street.” LeJeune, who worked as a machinist at Laitram Corporation, is now retired. He enjoys the location of his neighborhood because he is able to ride his bike to most places — such as Walmart, Big Lots and Joe Brown Park — rather than driving.
PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER
Ronnie LeJeune, who grew up on St. Roch Street, first moved to New Orleans East in 1970 when his parents purchased a home in Winston Place, a small subdivision consisting of custombuilt homes on two streets within Donna Villa. “We moved to New Orleans East because it was a nicer house in the suburbs,” LeJeune says. “It is a typical 1970s house — about 1,800 square feet — with three bedrooms and two baths.” When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, LeJeune’s parents evacuated to Baton Rouge, while he stayed behind to catch water from the leaking roof. “I had been here so long, and there was no flooding, so I wasn’t concerned,” he says. “It worked out until the surge hit, when four feet of water flooded the house. That’s when I knew it was time to leave.” After about three days, LeJeune evacuated to his
“There is a pool, and tennis courts and a track at Joe Brown Park, plus the Audubon Nature Center,” he says. “We haven’t had a golf course in a while; there is one at Pontchartrain Park, but not in New Orleans East. But there’s pretty much something for everyone here. There is also New Orleans East Hospital on Read Boulevard.” For those who do commute to the city for work, LeJeune says it only takes about 20 minutes unless there is a wreck. “Back in the day, people thought New Orleans East was so far away,” he says. “However, it’s really easy to get around the city as a whole. It’s also one of the few places left in New Orleans where you can find a nice house under $200,000 with nice neighbors.” When LeJeune isn’t riding his bike, he spends time with his cat — who he says adopted him — and keeping up with his house. He continues to stay in the area because he says New Orleans East has a lot to offer. “It’s a great place to raise a family with plenty of nice, middle-class houses, schools and stores in the area,” he says. “It is much safer than people think.” One area he would like to see improved and revitalized is Chef Menteur Highway. “Gentilly has done a good job,” LeJeune says. “Over the last six months, this side of the Industrial Canal has been cleaned up, but it could still use some improvement.” As residents and businesses continue to move back to New Orleans East, the area marches forward in its recovery. Dedicated, visionary residents and stakeholders are the key to bringing the area back to its pre-Katrina luster, and many like LeJeune are waiting and ready.
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INVESTORS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
THANK YOU! The East New Orleans Business Development District would like to thank the following contributors and partners for their support of our organization.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESIDENTIAL CIRCLE
• Wade T. Verges • Air Products • Councilperson Nguyen’s Office • GNO, Inc.
WADE T. VERGES CONSTRUCTION CO.
• Cliff Robinson • New Orleans Business Alliance • Henry Coaxum • Ron Wright • Robert Packnett - R & P Landscaping
EXECUTIVE CIRCLE
• Home Depot • Walmart • New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood • Vietnamese Initiatives in Economic Training (VIET)
• New Orleans Lakefront Airport • East New Orleans Economic Development • STUDS Club • Sphinx Foundation • Jacoby Jones Foundation
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The EAST New Orleans
PARTNERS
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The EAST New Orleans
EAST NEW ORLEANS BY THE NUMBERS
Greater New Orleans has a cost of doing business that makes it one of the most affordable locations around the U.S. East New Orleans is a prime location for developers to use these advantages with its expansive land, access to a frequented interstate highway and large residential population.
$146.2
MILLION
25% The School Facilities Master Plan resulted in
35,175 new or refurbished student seats. Approximately
15
schools in New Orleans East were renovated or rebuilt with FEMA’s allocated funding.
of business went to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) during the rebuilding of New Orleans schools.
of all projects bid since 2012 have gone to DBEs, effectively boosting the local economy as well as the educational environment.
$1.8
BILLION
in FEMA funds were granted to the Recovery School District and OPSB to fund a comprehensive recovery plan for schools affected by Hurricane Katrina. The completion of the School Facilities Master Plan will result in
79
new, refurbished or renovated schools upon estimated completion in Summer 2020.
$375 MILLION
was invested in New Orleans East schools as part of the FEMA settlement.
3.8 MILLION
Graduation rates in New Orleans schools rose
18.8% between 2005 and 2017, from 54% to 72.8%.
New Orleans elementary and middle schools have seen a
20%
increase in state assessment scores at the “basic or above” levels, from 33% to 55% between 2005 and 2017.
The number of New Orleans high school graduates enrolling in college rose
24%
between 2005 and 2017, from 37% to 61%.
square feet of renovated or new educational spaces were created by the three phases of the School Facilities Master Plan.
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PHOTO GALLERY 10th Annual Back to Nature Heart Walk, presented by Friends of Joe W. Brown Memorial Park and New Orleans East Hospital held Feb. 15 at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center.
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The EAST New Orleans
PHOTO GALLERY Krewe of Neferteri
Bullard Avenue McDonald’s workers bring food for healthcare workers at N.O. East Hospital.
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The EAST New Orleans
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & BENEFITS
PLATINUM BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP Benefits of Membership
ANNUAL DONATION $5,000+
• Co-sponsor of the East New Orleans Business Development District’s State of the District Breakfast Summit
• Logo prominently displayed on all promotional materials, events and the website
• Co-sponsor of annual Linen Night in the East (September)
• Listing in business directory of “The East” Magazine for the (Winter Edition)
• Eligible to serve on the Board of Directors
• Inclusion in “Listing of Members” on Website
• Consideration for front cover and feature article in “The EAST” magazine (Summer or Winter Edition)
• Invitation to all Networking Events, including Legislative Breakfast
• Co-sponsor of all Networking Events
• Eligible to serve on Board and Events Committees
GOLD LEVEL Benefits of Membership
• Recognition of Membership in “The EAST” Magazine (Summer & Winter Editions) • 33% discount on advertisement in “The East” Magazine • Listing in business directory of “The East” Magazine for the Winter Editions
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP $1,000 • Inclusion in “listing of Members” on Website • Invitation to all Networking Events, including Legislative Breakfast • Eligible to serve on Board and/or Events Committees
SILVER LEVEL (Organizations w/ 50 or more employees) Benefits of Membership
• Recognition of Membership in “The EAST” Magazine (Summer & Winter Editions) • 25% discount on advertisement in “The East” Magazine • Listing in business directory of “The East” Magazine for the Winter Editions
• Inclusion in “Listing of Members” on Website • Invitation to all Networking Events, including Legislative Breakfast • Eligible to serve on Board and/or Events Committees
BRONZE LEVEL (Organization w/ less than 50 employees) Benefits of Membership
• Recognition of Membership in “The EAST” Magazine (Summer & Winter Editions) • 25% discount on advertisement in “The East” Magazine • Listing in business directory of “The East” Magazine for the Winter Editions
FRIENDS LEVEL Benefits of Membership
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP $500
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP $250
• Inclusion in “Listing of Members” on Website • Invitation to all Networking Events, including Legislative Breakfast • Eligible to serve on Board and/or Events Committees
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP $100
• Listing in business directory of “The East” Magazine for the Winter Editions
• Invitation to all Networking Events, including Legislative Breakfast
• Inclusion in “Listing of Members” on Website
• Eligible to serve on Events Committees EastNolabdd.com
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APPLY & UPDATE
BECOME A MEMBER, INVESTOR OR UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS LISTING WITH THE EAST NOLA BDD I WOULD LIKE TO: Update my Business Directory Listing Apply for an East NOLA BDD Membership
INFORMATION OF INTEREST: Annual membership investment: ___________ Platinum Business Sponsorship ($5,000+) Gold Level ($1,000) Silver Level ($500) Bronze Level ($250) Friends Level ($100)
Become an Investor in East NOLA BDD FORM OF PAYMENT: GENERAL INFORMATION
I am enclosing a check for $______
Company Name__________________________________________
made payable to East NOLA BDD
Address________________________________________________
PLEASE CHARGE MY
______________________________________________________
Visa
City, State, Zip___________________________________________
Amex
Telephone_______________________________________________
Discover Card
Fax____________________________________________________
MasterCard
E-Mail Address___________________________________________ Website________________________________________________
PLEASE SELECT A PAYMENT SCHEDULE OPTION: Payment in full
COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES:
Automatically charge my card on the ___ day of every month
Name 1________________________________________________
Automatically charge my card quarterly
Title 1__________________________________________________
Credit Card #____________________________________________
Name 2________________________________________________
Exp. Date_______________________________________________
Title 2__________________________________________________
Auth. Code______________________________________________
Telephone ______________________________________________
Name on Credit Card______________________________________
Cell ___________________________________________________
Signature_______________________________________________
Email __________________________________________________ Mailing Address (if different from business listed above)
PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION AND PAYMENT TO:
______________________________________________________
(check or credit card)
City, State, Zip ___________________________________________
East New Orleans Business Development District
______________________________________________________
New Orleans, LA 70127
7240 Crowder Boulevard, Suite #301
