A football coach left Sarah T. Reed High School last week after an alleged paddling incident, officials confirmed. The incident again raises questions about whether the city’s charter schools must follow policies instituted by the Orleans Parish School Board. Until two years ago, corporal punishment remained legal in many Louisiana school districts; the practice now is prohibited unless a parent gives written permission. Governing through charter contractsIn New Orleans, nearly all charter schools are independent school districts, setting their own discipline policies. A 2019 paddling allegation at Warren Easton Charter High School illustrated the policy gap between the district and its charter schools.