Statement by Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding Donald E. Powell, Congratulates New Schools for New Orleans on $17.5 Million Grant

Release Date: December 13, 2007

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office
(202) 572-8890

Washington, D.C. - Donald E. Powell, the President's top official for Gulf Coast rebuilding, today released a statement congratulating New Schools for New Orleans on receiving $17.5 million in grants to invest in student and teacher training:

“New Schools for New Orleans represents one of the most innovative and effective grassroots organizations to have sprung from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  In the last 27 months, we have seen what selfless local leaders can accomplish when they have the proper resources.  Sarah Usdin's tireless efforts to recruit and train outstanding teachers, support new charters, and ensure that every child in New Orleans can attend a high-performing school are an inspiration to those of us who believe in the power of education and local leadership. 

I congratulate New Schools for New Orleans, students, parents, teachers, and the citizens of New Orleans, as this funding goes a long way in laying the groundwork for an education system New Orleans has always deserved.”

Over the last two years, the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding has been engaged in facilitating and streamlining various components of the recovery effort, providing key federal support and resources to local leaders, and reinforcing the federal government's commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast.

www.dhs.gov/gulfcoastrebuild

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This page was last modified on December 13, 2007