Paul Vallas coming to New Orleans is GREAT news!  Sadly, there aren't many superintendents who are talking charters and choice:

“This will be the greatest experiment in choice, in charters, and in creating not only a school system, but also a system of schools,” Mr. Vallas said... “If we can create a dynamic school system here, that means it can be done anywhere, and there will no longer be any excuses for why it can’t be done.”

School executive tapped to lead New Orleans' state-run district

 http://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/05/06/new.orleans.schools.ap

Story Highlights

• Paul Vallas to become superintendent of state-run Recovery School District
• Vallas is currently the head of Philadelphia's public school system
• Vallas says his biggest challenge will be improving neglected buildings

NEW ORLEANS, Louisianna (AP) -- An administrator with a reputation for shaping up big-city schools was hired to lead New Orleans' beleaguered district as it recovers from Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana officials said Friday.