Created by legislation passed in 2003, the RSD is designed to take underperforming schools and transform and make them effective in educating children.
[2] As of 2012 it was the fifth largest school district in Louisiana by student population.
The legislation was signed into law in May of that year by Governor of Louisiana Kathleen Blanco.
In the spring of 2005, four additional New Orleans schools were taken over by the state, and turned over to charter school operators: Medard Nelson, Samuel Green, Phillips, and Sophie B.
In his previous position, Dobard oversaw all community engagement and outreach activities, as well as establishing and implementing education policy for the Recovery School District (RSD).