Blackboard Wars Explained

Genre:	Documentary
Country:	United States
Language:	English
Num Seasons:	1
Num Episodes:	6
Runtime:	40–43 minutes
Network:	Oprah Winfrey Network
Company:	Discovery Studios

Blackboard Wars is an American reality documentary television series on the Oprah Winfrey Network that premiered on February 16, 2013, at 9/8c.^[1]

Premise

The series encompasses John McDonogh High School, a school stricken with violence and failing academic performance, as they work to transform the school into the best it's been in years. Steve Barr and new principal Marvin Thompson have trained the new staff to maintain a standard for student behavior and daily attendance all the while providing a safe environment. Viewers also see challenges the staff face as their students struggle with a range of emotionally demanding obstacles which includes teenage pregnancy, gang violence, homelessness and drug abuse.^{[2] [3]}

Cast

• Dr. Marvin Thompson - Principal^[4]
• Steve Barr - CEO of charter organization Future is Now Schools.^[4]
• Ms. Baye Cobb - Math Teacher^[4]
• Ms. Emily Wilcox - Math Teacher^[4]
• Ms. Irnessa Marie Campbell - Head of the Math Department^[4]
• Ms. Neisha Riley - Student Counselor^[4]

Awards and nominations

• 2013 CableFAX's Program & Top Ops Awards - Best Show or Series Documentary – Other – NOMINATION^[5]
• 2013 CableFAX's Program & Top Ops Awards - Best Show or Series – Professions – WINNER^[5]
• Fall 2013 CINE Golden Eagle – Televised Reality Division – Verite/Lifestyle – WINNER^[6]
• 2014 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards – BRONZE MEDAL WINNER^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kondolojy. Amanda. New Original Docu-Series 'Blackboard Wars' Premieres Saturday, March 2 on OWN. https://web.archive.org/web/20130205023323/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/01/30/new-original-docu-series-blackboard-wars-premieres-saturday-march-2-on-own/167426/. dead. February 5, 2013. TV by the Numbers. February 13, 2013.
2. Web site: OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Announces New Original Programming for 2013. the Futon Critic. February 13, 2013.
3. Web site: New Original Docu-Series "Blackboard Wars" Premieres Saturday, March 2 on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. the Futon Critic. February 12, 2013.
4. Web site: Cast Biographies. Oprah Winfrey Network. February 24, 2013.
5. Web site: Winners Announced - CableFAX Program and Top Ops Breakfast :: CableFax Portal . 2014-03-18 . dead. https://archive.today/20140318170133/http://www.cablefax.com/cfp/events/Program2013winners/ . 2014-03-18.
6. Web site: Fall 2013 CINE Golden Eagle Recipients | CINE . 2014-03-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140126141323/http://www.cine.org/fall-2013-cine-golden-eagle-recipients/ . 2014-01-26 . dead.
7. Web site: 2014-04-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140426214907/http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/winners/2014/pieces.php?iid=461687&pid=1 . Bronze World Medal Reality TV Drzma.