Statements Pertaining to the Louisiana Department of Education’s
ReNEW SciTech Academy Investigative Report dated January 29,
2016.
 

Throughout this process, ReNEW has worked closely with both the Louisiana Department of
Education and the Recovery School District to improve our systems across the network. Our
focus always centers on serving students and families, and our faculty and staff members
are working tirelessly to maintain ReNEW’s positive academic momentum. The RSD
completed its review on the issues at SciTech Academy several weeks ago, and we look
forward to continuing our efforts and carrying out ReNEW’s plans for success.

 

Statement by Gary Robichaux:
As CEO at the time, I take complete responsibility for the organization not responding more
quickly and decisively to the issues identified in the report. While this has been a hurdle for
ReNEW, the organization is now better positioned than ever with strong programs and
systems in place and highly capable leadership at the helm.  

 

Statement by Brian Weimer, chair of the board of ReNEW Schools:
As the report catalogues, we discovered problems at SciTech and have been implementing a
corrective action plan to address them. Although Gary elected to step down as CEO, we saw
an opportunity to apply his experience and strengths in a new role. We are grateful for the
value that Gary brings to the organization, as well as his numerous accomplishments
throughout a life dedicated to education. We are extremely pleased with the work, progress,
and commitment of our new CEO, Colleen, who has always acted in accordance with the
best interests of ReNEW’s students. As an organization, we are constantly striving for
academic excellence for all of our students. Colleen is continuously looking across our
network to identify areas where we can improve and further strengthen the education and
services ReNEW provides. We are incredibly confident in Colleen’s leadership and in the
bright future of ReNEW Schools.

 

Statement by Colleen Mackay, CEO of ReNEW Schools:
In accordance with the corrective action plan, and as part of our ongoing quest for
excellence, we have instituted a number of policies to strengthen our programs and added
new layers of oversight. Everything we are doing at ReNEW Schools is to enrich the lives of
our students, and we are very proud of their academic achievements. Our schools, not long
ago the city​
’​
s lowest performing, just recently surpassed the Recovery School District New
Orleans average in both growth and absolute performance. We anticipate continued
academic improvement moving forward due to the hard work and dedication of our talented
staff and students