$2 billion to overhaul ruined schools

The Inter-American Development Bank is seeking $2 billion to expand acess to Haitian schools. President Rene Preval and Bank President Luis Moreno announced the five-year program on Saturday.

The Inter-American Development Bank is seeking $2 billion to expand access to Haitian schools. President Rene Preval and Bank President Luis Moreno announced the five-year program on Saturday. It could be among the first presented for possible funding by the new Haitian Interim Reconstruction Commission co-chaired by Bill Clinton.

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The program aims to rebuild a system in shambles before nearly 4,000 schools were destroyed. Its advisers include Louisiana post-Katrina school superintendent Paul Vallas.

Nearly all Haitian schools are private, forcing parents to spend food money on books, uniforms and tuition. Just one in 10 Haitian teachers is a qualified educator.

The bank's program calls for the adoption of a national curriculum, teacher training and facility improvements.