OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER KEVIN R. GEORGE 504-827-1930 6026 Paris Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122 kevin.george@nbsfnola.com August 22, 2019 Mr. Ryan Gremillion, Policy Director Louisiana Department of Education 1201 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Dear Mr. Gremillion: Over the past several weeks, we have worked with your staff to address questions about the eligibility of certain John F. Kennedy High School students for graduation. Specifically, we have reviewed the transcripts and other academic records of all students who participated in the school’s Spring 2019 graduation ceremony, as well as others for whom questions were raised. This review process has resulted, thus far, in the identification of 8 students who met all requirements for graduation with the exception of up to one Carnegie unit due to administrative error. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) provides for a waiver to address these circumstances in Bulletin 741, §345(C)(2): 2. Course Requirement Waivers a. The LDE may waive up to one Carnegie unit required for graduation in the following circumstances: i. waivers for students who transfer to Louisiana from another state during their senior year, are on course to graduate in their previous state of residence, and are unable to schedule and complete the needed course; and ii. waivers due to administrative errors. b. In each situation, the district must provide: i. a letter of justification from the local superintendent; and ii. a copy of the student's transcript. Pursuant to this policy, I respectfully request approval ofa course requirement waiver for the following studenm: Student ID Number Carnegie Units Not Earned Description ofAdministrative Error 0.5 Student failed .5 unit of US History and administration failed to re-assign student in the course 1.0 Student erroneously enrolled in Human Geography Regular (Credit Recovery] instead of Human Geography AP (Initial Credit) 0.5 Student erroneously enrolled in Health (Credit Recovery) instead of Health (Initial Credit) 1.0 Student passed Algebra I Pt 1 and Pt. 2 which does not count towards TOPS Core 4 Graduation requiremens. Student assigned Algebra 1 [Credit Recovery) instead ofAlgebra 1 [Initial Credit) 1.0 Student assigned English 1 in unapproved. unauthorized online learning program. 1.0 Student assigned Physical Science in unapproved, unauthorized online learning program. 1.0 Student never assigned Health during high school career and was not re-assigned to take PE course after failing that course. .p 1.0 Student erroneously enrolled in Human Geography Regular (Credit Recovery] instead of Human Geography AP (Initial Credit) Your staff have informed me that they are in possession of these students’ transcripts and all other required documentation. The leadership of John F. Kennedy High School will ensure that all of the above students and their parents or legal custodians are advised of any potential implications of these waivers on their eligibility for TOPS and other forms of postsecondary education financial aid. The school leadership further commits to ensuring that all future John F. Kennedy High School Seniors are properly advised. We hired a team of experienced high school counselors to review all student transcripts this past summer. Our newly hired counselors reviewed all transcripts again to check the work of the summer school counselors. Our newly hired counselors are experienced in high school graduation requirements. All current seniors are in the process of being advised on their status with the use of the State issued Individual Graduation Plan Documents. All transcripts have been uploaded to the local system and will be uploaded to the State Transcript System in October. After the Fall Semester, our counselors will once again meet with all seniors to ensure they understand their remaining graduation requirements. All former administration and counselors no longer work for the New Beginnings Schools Foundation. We are continuing to support and advise other students who do not yet meet graduation requirements and appreciate the time and guidance your staff have provided in addressing each of their needs. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Kevin R. George Chief Executive Officer New Beginnings School Foundation