The MeidasTouch Podcast Where The Schools Went, Episode Two: The Battle for Carver
Aug 20, 2025
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the struggle over George Washington Carver High School sheds light on larger educational battles in New Orleans. Tensions rise as idealistic outsiders attempt to manage the school, igniting protests and walkouts. Meanwhile, the historical significance of the Desire housing complex intertwines with community hopes and skepticism. Carver eventually implements transformative disciplinary practices, shifting toward restorative methods that rejuvenate student engagement and performance. The journey captures the resilient spirit of the community amidst adversity.
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Funding Shapes Who Runs Schools
- Post-Katrina rebuilding funds prioritized restoring legacy school buildings, not creating new outside-run schools.
- That funding reality made Carver a valuable prize and intensified disputes over who should run it.
Alumni Repeatedly Rejected
- Carver alumni submitted multiple charter applications and faced repeated rejections, fueling anger and distrust.
- The state ultimately approved Collegiate Academies, angering many locals who felt shut out.
Two Visions Collide
- The conflict at Carver reflected two competing definitions of greatness: rigorous academics vs. cultural rituals and tradition.
- Outsider-led reform clashed with local expectations of identity and rituals.