Monroe, schools, Neville, charter, - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The feds are concerned when it comes to the Neville Charter proposal. Monroe City School Board members are now working closely with a federal judge and the group behind the proposal.

The Department of Justice would like to make sure, if the plan is approved, which would turn Neville High School into a charter school, it would not affect the racial make-up of the district. The school system remains under a federal desegregation order.

Board President Verbon Muhammad said a federal judge is also looking at the price tag of the proposed change.

"They were very concerned about the Neville High School charter efforts, it's impact on desegregation, it's financial impact on the Monroe City Schools system," Muhammad said. "They need a copy of the application."

The Neville Charter School Association initially applied with a Type 2 Charter. That means the school board decides on whether the charter is approved. Board members have yet to make a final decision.

Now, the board president said the group may be turning over to a Type 3 Charter, which means the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education makes the final decision.

Also, in the meeting, the board approved a timeline to hire a new school superintendent. Board members say they hope to have a new school leader in place by July first.

The approval came with arguments, as board members voted on a different timeline than the one chosen in Monday's search committee.