Caddo Parish School Board to Mull Over Transforming Fair Park Into a Charter Medical High School
Over the last two years, discussions on transforming Fair Park from a high school into a medical feeder school have been widespread. This assertion is fueled by the belief that the school’s transition from a high school to a middle school by the Caddo Parish School Board was a mistake. However, the pressing issue is that Fair Park might become a charter middle school, managed by a money-making entity, not necessarily an educational institution. Considering the school’s rich history and the legacy of its graduates, such a move would be a significant blow to the Shreveport community.
The Case for Fair Park High School
Fair Park High School, once a jewel in Shreveport’s education system, has now become a plaything for overpaid state bureaucrats in Baton Rouge unplugged from the school’s history. Despite this unfortunate turn of events, former students and alumni organizations are fervently working to preserve the school’s historical patrimony, even rescuing discarded artifacts left to deteriorate. This school undoubtedly deserves better.
The Charter Middle School Model – Suitable for Fair Park?
In tacit acceptance of the state school board’s demands, the Caddo Parish School Board has given the nod for school closures and requisite student relocation. Regrettably, the board didn’t put up much resistance to the school closures. But this apparent capitulation opens up the possibility of a fresh proposition. Instead of changing Fair Park into a charter middle school, why not make it a charter high school focused on medical training?
A Charter Medical High School – A Viable Solution
The proposed charter medical high school could be a bastion of educational excellence, providing hands-on healthcare training for students to fill many existing job vacancies in the sector. This initiative could significantly benefit the community, offering critical educational opportunities and stimulating workforce and economic development. Above all, it could reinvigorate a struggling community and restore pride to both the city and the parish.
The Vision for the Future
As the regional population ages and medical treatments advance, a trained healthcare workforce becomes increasingly urgent. A charter medical high school could indispensably supply the Shreveport area with a steady stream of skilled healthcare professionals. This could, in turn, increase the tax base, elevate living standards, and boost the regeneration of the area.
Establishing the Shreveport Medical Corridor
A plan to create a Shreveport Medical Corridor, with Fair Park campus as its anchor, is in the offing. Given its strategic location, the school could easily facilitate medical professionals’ access for instructional purposes and students’ access to medical training facilities. Unquestionably, such an initiative could serve to further cement our economy’s medical hub.
Conclusion
With the University of Texas planning to inaugurate a medical school in Tyler, Texas, less than 100 miles away this year, the region needs to prepare adequately. In light of this imminent competition, transforming Fair Park into a charter high school could be a strategic move. This reshaped institution could dutifully supply hospitals with well-trained, hands-on students ready to fill the numerous job vacancies in healthcare within Shreveport.
