Abramson Science & Technology Charter School

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The Abramson Science and Technology Charter School was a charter school in New Orleans, Louisiana. As of 2013 it is directly operated by the Recovery School District (RSD) and is a K-8 school. It previously served grades K-11 and was managed by the Pelican Educational Foundation on behalf of the RSD. It is located on the site of the former Marion Abramson High School in New Orleans East. It is adjacent to the campus of the Sarah T. Reed Elementary School.HistoryThe school was the first charter school operated by the Pelican Educational Foundation, an organization which was formed in 2005. The foundation had connections with the Gülen Movement. The Pelican Foundation began operating the school in 2007. The school opened in 2007 in a set of trailers located on the site where the building of Abramson High School once stood. As of 2011 it was still located in the set of trailers.Folwell Dunbar, an education official in the State of Louisiana, warned the state about potential issues at the charter school. He argued that the school was "terribly mismanaged" and that the state should revoke the charter. In July 2011 Folwell Dunbar and his boss, Jacob Landry, were fired by the Louisiana State Superintendent of Schools.In July 2011 the state suddenly closed the school, stating that it will conduct an investigation. This was in light of an investigation by the New Orleans Times-Picayune and allegations of a bribery attempt. Some parents believed that the school would be closed, but the RSD stated that it would remain open. As a result of the allegations of misconduct, by August 2011, the state revoked Pelican's contract shortly before the beginning of the school year. The RSD stated that it would begin directly operating Abramson until it could find another charter operator.

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