Meet Charter Board Member Focus: D'Juan Hernandez

Board Member Focus: D'Juan Hernandez

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina provided an opportunity to restart New Orleans’ public education system.  Following the storm, the Algiers Charter School Association (ACSA) was created to ensure that students on the West Bank had access to quality educational options.  Serving nearly 4,100 students, ACSA schools are free from conventional education structures, are open by choice to all students without admissions tests, are not religiously affiliated and have high accountability standards.  In addition to the charter management organization’s leadership team and principals, the network benefits from a competent and committed board of directors.

“I got involved in charter schools and joined the ACSA Board because I was uncomfortable with what charters schools meant for the future of our children’s education. I needed to better understand what this reform movement was all about,” reflects Mr. D’Juan Hernandez, a Partner at Chaffe McCall, LLP.
 
“Initially I felt that by moving to a charter system, the government had shirked its responsibility to educate our children,” said Hernandez. “What I found was a robust and innovative system that has positively transformed education for many of the children in our community.  While the charter system of schools in place today is not the perfect answer, it has given us significant improvement over the system that preceded it.”
 
A graduate of Tulane University, A.B., Freeman School of Business and Loyola University College of Law, Mr. Hernandez brings unique perspective and insight to his role as board member.  In addition to board service to the largest charter management organization in New Orleans, Mr. Hernandez serves as President of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation.
 
“I appreciate the strategic support that members of ACSA’s board provide on a consistent basis.  It’s a serious endeavor to help steer a ship that holds the futures of over 4,000 students.  I’m glad that someone as committed as D’Juan is a part of this work,” said ACSA CEO, Adrian Morgan.
 
ACSA Schools
Martin Behrman Charter Academy for Creative Arts and Sciences (PK – 8)
Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy of Global Studies (PK – 8)
William J. Fischer Accelerated Academy (PK – 8)
McDonogh #32 Literacy Charter School (PK – 8)
Algiers Technology Academy (9-12)
L.B. Landry – O. Perry Walker College and Career Preparatory High School (9-12)

The Top Shelf
The success of a charter school hinges largely on the decisions of its governing board. The Top Shelf enhances the capacity of charter school boards through professional development, board recruitment and community engagement.