Hunkering down

I hope that you and your loved ones are safe. Obviously that should be your top priority.

Except for members of the National Guard, NOPD and other first responders, the city is practically deserted. The winds and rains from the first bands of Gustav are beginning to pick up.

We are hunkered down and riding out the storm here, so that we will be in a good position to access building conditions after the storm has passed. Obviously, our hope is to reopen schools as quickly as possible. We will provide you with information about school openings and closings no later than Tuesday.

Let's all pray that we can get through this and get back to the important work of educating our children.

My best to you and your families

Superintendent Vallas' Message to School Staff

Dear school leaders, teachers and support staff,

Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your hard work and support over the past several days as we continued to educate our children and prepare our buildings for the approaching storm.

While we hope and pray that the storm will have minimum impact on our city and our school buildings, we are doing everything we can do to prepare in the event of the worst case scenario. Whatever the impact of the storm, schools will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008 and Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. At the earliest, schools will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. In the event that we have some damaged buildings, we are preparing contingency plans and backup facilities that can be used.

Many of you have understandable concerns about payroll and benefits in the event that Gustav has a severe impact on the city. Our payroll system is being managed from Baton Rouge and is fully functional. All of our staff will get paid. Our intent is to get our schools up and running as quickly as we can.

Communications will be a top priority in the days ahead. I expect that all school leadership teams to remain in contact with their staff. I expect all staff to make sure that your supervisors are able to contact you to keep you abreast of emergency information and updates. If you have not completed the RSD emergency contact form, please complete it immediately and return it to your supervisor. A copy of the form is attached.

Please ensure that we have your correct non-work numbers in our system. For instructions on how to update your information through LEO, go to www.doa.louisiana.gov/portal/portaltools/phone_numbers.pdf.

Please monitor our website, www.nolapublicschools.net, regularly for information and updates. If you have additional questions, you may email info@rsdla.net.

Please take every precaution to ensure your family's safety.

My best to you all. I hope to see you back at school soon.

A Message From Superintendent Paul Vallas

As Hurricane Gustav tracks toward the Louisiana coastline, we have determined that in the best interest of public safety all schools in the Recovery School District will be closed on Tuesday, September 2nd and Wednesday, September 3rd. For the latest information regarding the Recovery School District we encourage you to continue visiting our web-site and this blog to stay informed and to share information as it becomes available. Above all, please be safe and be sure you and your loved ones have a game plan.