24-04-2025
Mediation between Orleans Parish School Board and city could avoid a trial
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — It's been a back and forth battle between Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the New Orleans City Council regarding $10 million for New Orleans Public Schools.
Legal expert Cliff Cardone says the day-long mediation hearing is an attempt to reach an agreement and avoid a trial.
'The court on its motion has made a determination to assist all the parties in the hopes of settling this case. So the court ordered a settlement conference in the hopes of resolving all the disputes. If a settlement is read, then that would ostensibly end the litigation,' said Cardone.
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Cantrell is asking the judge to reverse the $10 million school judgment, calling it unlawful and unconstitutional.
New Orleans Councilman Joe Giarrusso says the goal is never to be at odds with the mayor but to always try and get things resolved.
'The council keeps on passing all the things that we need to do to make the deal final and whole. So that's part we feel very responsible for. And look, the courts always have their place and we want to make sure that they're doing their job, but we feel like we're going to continue to do ours,' said Giarrusso.
The $10 million from the mayor's office would have been given to the schools through a proposed legal settlement that called for the city as a whole to pay $20 million this school year, and an additional $70 million over the following 10 years.
With a June 20 trial date looming, Giarusso could see a resolution explaining that the city has brought up a different option.
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'Today's the first day we heard about a different offer, and look, if everybody's willing to come to slightly different terms and we get it all done, fantastic. That's all we're looking for,' said Giarrusso.
School leaders voiced the need for the deal to happen, citing employee layoffs and services for students.
'We want to make sure we have the deal done. It's two things you've already pointed out. It's about the children and making sure that they're taken care of. But remember, we have a lawsuit, too. And if we can get that lawsuit taken care of, and so we're not fighting with each other, that's what's important to me,' said Giarrusso.
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