Support The Crescent School in Algiers Point!

This is a fundraiser organized by the parents of children enrolled in the Crescent School, which is facing permanent closure.

The Crescent School in Algiers Point is a wonderful part of the neighborhood and a place of love and learning for its children. They follow a place-based curriculum, meaning, they use our community, city, and surroundings as a third teacher in the classroom. Lessons are taught through the lens of living in New Orleans and specifically in Algiers Point.

Unfortunately, it was recently discovered that the beautiful historic building that houses the school contains lead hazards that are a major risk to the building’s inhabitants, especially children. All school operations in the Knights of Columbus building on Olivier Street ceased immediately once the problem was discovered for safety.

Liza Drennon, the owner and administrator of the Crescent School, was still committed to remediating any hazards fully and as quickly as possible, at great personal financial risk. However, the Knights of Columbus as a group have decided not to support the Crescent School to address the documented lead hazards in their building, and have declined to renew the school's lease beyond next year, making a personal investment from the Drennon family impossible to justify. This work (including interior renovation and complete topsoil removal from the schoolyard) is extremely expensive, and as parents and community members it’s in our interest to see the Crescent School, its students, and teachers return to safe operations as quickly as possible. I have faith that we can reach this goal as a community, but should the worst happen and the goal is not met, these funds will be used to support Liza and her staff through a devastating and sudden loss of livelihoods.

Please also consider having your voice heard by signing our petition that we hope to show to Knights of Columbus leaders to make them aware of how important this school is to the community!

https://www.change.org/p/urge-knights-of-columbus-to-support-crescent-school