STPPS Public Hearing – 11/12/26

At the November 12, 2026, STPPS public hearing, an independent evaluation team presented initial findings on the St. Tammany Charter Foundation’s applications for two Type I K–8 charter schools in Mandeville and Slidell. Each school proposes opening with 725 students and growing to 900 over five years, with Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) as educational services provider. The evaluator found that each application met 40 of 56 Louisiana Department of Education rubric standards and gave a preliminary recommendation of approval subject to additional evidence. Gaps and questions included community demand, organizational and educational plans, staffing, building financing, revenue assumptions, startup funding, and missing agreement and audit documentation. The application describes a CSUSA management fee of 15%. Applicants may respond by November 18; the evaluator will then issue a final memo, with the statutory deadline for the board’s decision on January 28, 2027.

Public commenters and board members raised concerns about school safety staffing, special education services, facilities and location, potential effects on existing schools and district funding, and the for-profit management arrangement. Members also discussed the distinction between Type I and Type II charters and possible terms for a future agreement, but no contract was awarded, spending decision or vote was taken at this hearing. The board’s next steps are to consider the applicants’ written responses and make a decision within the statutory timeline.