PRESS RELEASE

Louisiana Department of Education Working to Reopen Schools
BATON ROUGE (September 4, 2008) -- The Louisiana Department of Education (DOE) is working with local school districts throughout the state to get classes back underway in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. A majority of the state's school systems have seen their operations disrupted by the storm.

"We've been able to touch base with all but a handful of school districts," said State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek. "Remarkably, even school districts that are in the hardest-hit areas are already securing the services of contractors, and their facilities staff are working to repair damage and clean up after the storm."

The greatest challenges remain in the southeast, south central and central part of the state, and while most districts sustained only minimal damage to buildings, there are some areas that will require substantial state assistance. DOE officials say there has been notable progress even in the areas where there was significant damage.

"Some of the greatest concerns continue to be around shortages of fuel, electrical power, food, water, and sewer," Pastorek said. "The same issues that are affecting our general population. Our Superintendents are working with other local officials and are making decisions based on current information, such as projections for restoring power, fuel supply and other factors that are required to operate their schools.

"Also, some of our schools are currently housing evacuees, and of course this limits their ability to reopen."

Approximately 20 local school districts resumed classes today, mostly those located in the north and mid-western areas of the state. The majority of school districts plan to reopen by Monday, September 8.

On Friday, Sept. 5, Superintendent Pastorek will lead a DOE damage assessment tour in some of the school districts hit hardest by Hurricane Gustav.

"In some cases, we will need to provide additional resources or adjust school sites, and in other cases, we will be asking school districts to absorb displaced students," Pastorek said. "Our responsibility is to provide a first-class education for these students regardless of where they are housed in the state.

"At the same time, we are sensitive to the harsh realities that many families are facing. One thing we know from our experiences is that schools, teachers and administrators are really good at giving children and families a sense of belonging and stability during unsettling times like these. I am confident that we will find a way to do that."

For information on school district closures, please visit the DOE website at www.louisianaschools.net or the state's emergency site at emergency.louisiana.gov.

For the latest information on Hurricane Gustav, visit emergency.louisiana.gov or call the state's emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information.

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