Wagner Family Joins Lusher Charter School in New Orleans

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

Dear Upper School Community:

After a lengthy and thorough job search, I am thrilled to announce that the Wagner family is heading to New Orleans to join the community at Lusher Charter School.  I will serve as Director of College Counseling, and assist with special programs and community outreach initiatives.  Lusher School is a unique hybrid, as a K-12 public school, a fine and performing arts magnet, and is operated as a charter school by the non-profit Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation.  Lusher School’s mission is Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through High Academics and the Arts.

Additionally, Lusher School and Tulane University have maintained a long-standing relationship.  In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Tulane approached Lusher and provided funding and support to expedite the reopening of Lusher’s existing K-8 program, and develop a new high school under Lusher’s educational umbrella.  In turn, Lusher opened its doors to qualified children of Tulane faculty and staff.

This on-going partnership has expanded to allow Lusher students access to Tulane courses and other university resources and facilities.  As juniors and seniors, Lusher High School students are able to enroll in classes on Tulane’s campus, graduating with both a Lusher diploma and Tulane transcript.  Further joint ventures include: developing a professional learning center for teachers, shared use of facilities, access to Tulane’s library, and help from Tulane’s architect and facilities manager in planning future campus renovations.

Needless to say, the story of Lusher School mirrors closely the on-going rebuilding efforts in New Orleans and its surrounding regions.  As many of you remember, Allison’s family evacuated to Dayton for 3 months following Hurricane Katrina.  My nephew Josh, then a Junior, ended up staying here in Dayton, and graduated as a member of the MVS Class of 2007.  As further connection, Allison and I first met in New Orleans some 23 years ago, where we were both teaching at rival Independent Schools.

I look forward to seeing you at academic awards, graduation, and other end-of-school events this week and next.  Speaking for the entire Wagner family, we appreciate the support of the MVS community and the connections and friendships we have made while living here in Dayton for the past 13-years.

With sincere and appreciative regards,

Sam Wagner

Head of Upper School