Caddo Parish School Board Proposes School Closures

Community members gather to discuss the impact of proposed school closures in Caddo Parish.

News Summary

The Caddo Parish School Board is proposing the closure of three schools in Shreveport to consolidate resources and save costs. Queensborough Elementary, Blanchard Elementary, and the 81st Street Early Childhood Center are impacted, with students redirected to larger schools. The board anticipates savings of up to $1 million annually, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for remaining students. A final vote on this proposal is set for April 15, as community members express concerns and curiosity about the changes ahead.

Caddo Parish School Board Plans School Closures to Save Costs in Shreveport

Shreveport residents are buzzing with news as the Caddo Parish School Board has put forward a proposal to close three schools in the area. This move aims to consolidate and reduce costs for the school district, impacting several students and families. The schools slated for closure include Queensborough Elementary, Blanchard Elementary, and the 81st Street Early Childhood Center.

Proposed Changes and Timeline

The closure of Queensborough Elementary is on track to happen at the end of the current school year, which wraps up in 2025. As part of this transition, students from Queensborough will be shifted to J.S. Clark Academy, effectively increasing its enrollment at the nearby institution. This consolidation is expected to have significant implications for the local community.

Meanwhile, Blanchard Elementary is also set for closure at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. In a strategic move, students will be moved to Donnie Bickham Middle School, which will be undergoing an expansion to incorporate a new elementary wing. This adjustment is designed to better serve the students transitioning from Blanchard.

Additionally, the 81st Street Early Childhood Center will close at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, with its students redirected to Atkins Elementary. This shift highlights the district’s focus on creating larger educational facilities that can accommodate more students under one roof.

Financial Implications and Future Plans

In a move to bolster financial efficiency, the Caddo Parish School Board is exploring the sale of the Queensborough Elementary property to Willis Knighton Health, who has shown interest in purchasing the site. This sale could yield substantial funds that might be funneled back into the school system for future construction projects. The district purchased 20 acres of land on Norris Ferry Road for just $300,000 back in 2002, and it recently appraised at a whopping $3.6 million in 2023. This makes it an attractive asset for potential buyers.

Reasons Behind the Consolidation

The Chief Operations Officer of the district has pointed out the necessity of making Caddo Parish Schools more competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining students. By closing these schools, the district hopes to consolidate resources, ultimately improving educational opportunities for the remaining students. The anticipated savings from closing these schools are estimated to be between $750,000 and $1 million annually. These savings are intended to support the general fund for the remaining schools in the parish, enhancing facilities and services for all students.

Upcoming Decision

The final vote on these proposed changes is scheduled for April 15 during a school board meeting. As the date approaches, parents, teachers, and community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the developments. It is a pivotal moment for Shreveport’s education system, and many are curious to see how these alterations will shape the future.

Overall, these proposed school closures bring a mix of challenges and opportunities to Caddo Parish. While the changes may be difficult for some, the district’s leadership is optimistic that these steps will lead to a brighter, more fruitful future for education in Shreveport.