The Neville Charter Association, a private not-for-profit organization, has officially submitted an application to convert Neville High School into a Type 3 charter school. The application was filed on October 25, 2024, in accordance with Louisiana state statute LRS 17:3973, which defines a Type 3 charter school as a preexisting public school converted and operated under a charter agreement between a nonprofit corporation and the local school board.
Under state law, a Type 3 charter school is a public school that transitions to charter status through an agreement between a nonprofit organization and the local school board. The law allows the local school board to require approval from the faculty and staff certified by the state board, as well as from the parents or guardians of students currently enrolled in the school. Only students who would normally be eligible to attend the public school or who live in the same area as the preexisting school may enroll in the charter school.
If approved, Neville High School will no longer operate as a system school within the Monroe City School District. Instead, it will be governed and operated solely by the Neville Charter Association. The school will also be funded separately, and its staff will no longer be employed by the Monroe City School District. Enrollment eligibility will adhere to Louisiana Charter School law and the terms outlined in the charter contract.
The Neville Charter Association’s charter school application is available for public review. Digital copies can be accessed on both the Monroe City School Board website and the Neville High School website. Additionally, printed copies are available at two locations: the Principal’s office at Neville High School (600 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana) and the Monroe City School Board’s administrative office (2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana).
In compliance with state law, the Monroe City School Board is seeking input from two key groups: certified faculty and staff at Neville High School, and parents or guardians of currently enrolled students.
Certified faculty and staff members of Neville High School will have the opportunity to vote by paper ballot. Voting will take place at Neville High School on December 17–18, 2024, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Ballots can be downloaded from the Monroe City School Board website or the Neville High School website. Alternatively, paper ballots can be obtained at the Principal’s office at Neville High School or at the Monroe City School Board’s administrative office. Completed ballots must be submitted no later than 1:00 p.m. on December 18, 2024.
Parents and guardians of students enrolled at Neville High School may cast their votes on December 17–18, 2024. Voting will take place at both Neville High School and the Monroe City School Board’s administrative office. Each student enrolled in Neville High School is entitled to one vote, which may be cast by one parent or guardian per student. Ballots can be downloaded from the Monroe City School Board website or the Neville High School website. Paper ballots are also available at the same locations as those for faculty and staff voting. Parents and guardians must ensure that their completed ballots are received no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 17, 2024.
The conversion of Neville High School into a Type 3 charter school represents a significant change in governance and operation for the institution. The decision will ultimately depend on input from faculty, staff, parents, and guardians through this voting process.
For further details or to review the application in full, individuals are encouraged to visit either of the designated websites or obtain printed copies from the specified locations. The outcome of this decision could mark an important milestone in shaping the future of Neville High School and its community.