New Orleans this summer became the first large American city to have only charter schools in its district. It is a move that began prior to Hurricane Katrina but gathered strength after the storm devastated the city and its educational infrastructure. Former United States Senator, Mary Landrieu--a Democrat from Louisiana, championed charter schools in the Big Easy. Landrieu says Democrats who demonize charter schools have it wrong and that supporting charter schools does not mean turning your back on public schools. She'll explain this hour ahead of her lunchtime speech today to charter advocates in Cleveland. What about the argument that charter schools take away from traditional public schools?
Mary Landrieu, Former U.S. Senator, Board Member, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
John Zitzner, Founder Breakthrough Schools, President, Friends of Breakthrough Schools