06.15.04

COVER STORY

Now What?
A Gambit Weekly special report on the state of local public education.

Board and Circuses
Secret meetings, restraining orders, and lots of talk about contracts and kids. Last week, it seemed as though everyone and their lawyer was facing off over public education.
By Lili LeGardeur

Lessons From Chicago
When it comes to public schools, mayors aren't miracle workers -- but they might have important roles to play.
By Linda Lenz

Off to the Races
Qualifying for the school board elections is less than two months away. In politics, that’s a long time, analysts say.
By Allen Johnson Jr

The Power of Parents
The success of schools depends on more than the board and the superintendent -- it also involves parents. Ursula and D.J. Markey once sued the district for not educating their autistic son; now, they're training other parents and partnering with two public schools.
By Katy Reckdahl

History Lessons
Despite sporadic periods of reform, New Orleans has never enjoyed a golden age of public education.
By Donald E. DeVore with Allen Johnson Jr.

Commentary
Finally paying attention.

Brother Ray's Routes
In a 2002 conversation, the late Ray Charles talks about music, teaching kids the blues, and how he learned to sound like himself.
By Nick Spitzer

Gambit Weekly Wins Awards
Katy Reckdahl receives Alex Waller Memorial Award; Pableaux Johnson also honored by James Beard Foundation.

Bouquets and Brickbats
They get what they deserve.

Penny Post
Andrei Codrescu on tour.

Politics
Clancy DuBos on slippery slopes with the school board.

My Good Name
By Ronnie Virgets

Shop for Pop
Make Dad's day with special gifts.
By Kandace Power Graves

Spirits of the City
Ronnie Virgets returns to the neighborhoods of New Orleans.

Blake Pontchartrain™
New Orleans' know-it-all.

Shoptalk
Kandace Power Graves on Acquistapace's Covington Supermarket and Arabella Fine Gifts.

Hot Seven
Our suggestions for all that's worth doing and seeing this week, including the HotPick.


Special Events Listings



Music

Opening Act
Alex Rawls on DKT/MC5.

Music Listings
Who's playing where and when this week.



The Arts

Theater
Dalt Wonk on Mating Habits and Things I've Done.

Art
D. Eric Bookhardt on Gene Koss.

Theater, Art and Books Listings
A week's worth of culture.

Film

Balcony Seats
Rick Barton on Young Adam.

DVD Review
David Lee Simmons on Blazing Saddles.

Film Listings