December 14, 2016 

Colleen Mackay 
ReNEW Schools 
3649 Laurel Street 
New Orleans, Louisiana 70115 
Dear Colleen, 
The LDE Office of Statewide Monitoring conducted a review of the special education program at ReNEW 
SciTech Academy on June 18, 2015. Results of the on-site monitoring activities revealed a violation of a 
free  appropriate  public  education  (FAPE)  for  an  identified  number  of  student  files  reviewed  during  the 
2014-2015 school years.  Additionally, a report released by the LDE in January, 2016 revealed additional 
concerns regarding Special Education services, testing violations and organizational structure issues.  
A  corrective  action  plan  as  was  initiated  in  January,  2016  to  address  the  concerns  outlined  above.  The 
Louisiana  Department  of  Education  (LDE)  believes  that  serving  all  students  equitably  and  in  compliance 
with federal and state policy coupled with adhering to mandated testing procedures are essential pillars 
of providing quality education to Louisiana students.  Any concerns are addressed with the utmost gravity. 
In November, 2016, the LDE received the final report from the independent monitor, as outlined in the 
corrective  action  plan.  This  letter  serves  as  confirmation  that  the  Department  of  Education  (LDE) 
acknowledges that all corrective actions and objectives of the January 2016 Corrective Action Plan have 
been  met,  as  assessed  in  the  independent  monitor’s  report.    However,  two  areas  of  concern  require 
follow up to confirm completion:  
• Section  3.A.a.,  which  addresses  the  compensatory  services  to  Special  Education  students,  was
approved  conditionally  upon  the  completion  of  the  corrective  action  by  May,  2017.  A  formal 
written  explanation  of  completion  of  this  section  with  supporting  documentation  must  be 
submitted to the LDE by June 1, 2017.  
• Additionally,  a  report  on  the  completion  of  section  3.A.c.  regarding  the  outstanding  evaluation
reviews must be submitted to the LDE by January 6, 2017.  The reviews are due to be 
completed by December 31, 2016, according to the monitor’s report. 
In  addition  to  these  required  submissions,  ReNEW  will  continue  its  quarterly  meetings  with  the 
Department of Education monitoring team to review Special Education procedures.  
The  LDE  will  maintain  in  close  communication  with  ReNEW  to  ensure  that  the  school  is  on  track  to 
complete  these  actions.  Please  respond  to  this  letter  by  December  16h,  2016  with  any  clarifications.  

 Otherwise,  please  submit  the  report  for  section  3.A.c  by  January 6, 2017  and  for  Section  3.A.a  by June 
1st, 2017. If you have any questions, please contact me.  
Sincerely,  
 
Kunjan
Narechania
 
Kunjan Narechania 
Assistant Superintendent 

Cc: Stephen Rosenthal, Board Chair, ReNEW Schools 
Laura Hawkins, Recovery School District 
Kristine Baker, Department of Education