The principal of Leah Chase School, the only public school directly operated by the New Orleans school district, has resigned amid significant financial and operational challenges. The departure of Principal Crystal LaFrance comes as the school faces a projected $500,000 budget deficit in just its second year of operation.
Key Takeaways
- Principal Crystal LaFrance of Leah Chase School announced her resignation on October 8, 2025.
- The school is grappling with a projected $500,000 budget shortfall for the current school year.
- Leah Chase is the only school directly managed by the district in a city dominated by charter schools.
- Budget cuts have led to the elimination of all extracurricular activities, including arts and sports programs.
- The school has faced unexpected costs related to a high number of students with special needs.
Principal Steps Down From Leadership Role
Crystal LaFrance, the founding principal of Leah Chase School, announced her departure in a letter to the school community. She was selected in early 2024 to lead the establishment of the new school.
In her October 8 letter, LaFrance described the experience as a personal honor. "This journey of building our school from the ground up has been one of the greatest honors of my life," she wrote. She added, "Please know that this was not a decision I made lightly."
The specific reasons for her mid-year resignation have not been made public. Colleagues expressed surprise, describing her as a dedicated and inspiring leader who was enthusiastic about the school's mission. The school is currently in its second academic year.
A Unique Position in New Orleans Education
In 2019, New Orleans became the first major U.S. city to have a school system composed entirely of charter schools. The creation of Leah Chase School in 2023 marked a significant shift, reintroducing a traditional, district-run model. The school was established in the former Lafayette Academy building on South Carrollton Avenue and named after the celebrated chef and civil rights icon.
Financial Pressures Mount for New School
From its inception, the financial viability of operating a single district-run school was a known challenge. The district initially estimated startup costs at $3.8 million to launch the institution on a tight timeline.
Despite these efforts, financial strain has become a central issue. In September, district officials informed the Orleans Parish School Board that Leah Chase School was on track to end the school year with a $500,000 operating deficit.
The Impact of a Slow-Growth Model
The school was designed to grow incrementally, a strategy often used by new charter schools. It opened with kindergarten through fifth grade and planned to add one grade level each year. While this allows for controlled expansion, it also results in lower initial enrollment and, consequently, less per-pupil funding from the state.
- First Year (2024-25): Enrollment was 284 students in grades K-5.
- Second Year (2025-26): Enrollment grew to 354 students with the addition of sixth grade.
Although enrollment figures are stable, the limited student body in the early years makes it difficult to cover the fixed operational costs of a large school building and specialized staff.
Unexpected Special Education Costs
The school's budget has also been strained by a higher-than-anticipated number of students with special needs. According to a district employee, this required the hiring of six additional specialized instructors that were not originally budgeted for.
A district report from September confirmed the new hires. "Positions were added to comply with legislative requirements or requirements identified within a student’s IEP," the report stated. These roles included three paraprofessionals and two special education teachers.
A Decentralized System
Before Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans school district had a centralized office that provided special education services to schools across the city. In today's charter-dominant system, that centralized support no longer exists. Each school is largely responsible for building and funding its own special education department, a costly endeavor for a new, standalone institution like Leah Chase.
This structure creates a cycle where schools that develop a reputation for strong special needs programs often attract more students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), further increasing costs and resource demands.
Cultural Mission Undermined by Budget Cuts
When NOLA Public Schools announced the new school in February 2024, it was presented as more than just an academic institution. The district stated a bold mission for the school named after a cultural icon.
"It aspires to be more than an educational institution; it aims to become a beacon of cultural richness, amplifying the voice of New Orleans’ history."
The district promised a comprehensive approach with clubs, field trips, and enriching courses in arts and culture. The school initially launched with a variety of cultural partnerships, including programs with the New Orleans Ballet Association, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, and local art museums.
However, these ambitions have been curtailed by the current budget crisis. According to a source within the district, the school no longer offers any extracurricular activities. Programs in sports, arts, and tutoring have all been eliminated to tighten the budget. This development stands in stark contrast to the school's founding vision of being a cultural hub for students.
