Management Change at Linwood Public Charter School

Classroom scene at Linwood Public Charter School with students and teachers

News Summary

Linwood Public Charter School in Shreveport will be under new management starting July 1, with Third Future Schools taking over. This transition comes after a decade of challenges, including a low academic rating. The change aims to enhance educational outcomes and community support, including a health clinic for students. Meetings with teachers and parents are planned to discuss the transition, with hopes for Linwood to improve and possibly return to the Caddo Parish Public Schools in the future.

Exciting Changes for Linwood Public Charter School in Shreveport

Shreveport is buzzing with news that the management of Linwood Public Charter School is set to change hands! Starting on July 1, the school will be operated by Third Future Schools, following the approval from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, or BESE, just last Wednesday. With this shift, Linwood hopes to turn the page on a challenging chapter in its academic story.

A Fresh Start with New Leadership

Third Future Schools has made quite an impression already in Louisiana, having taken on the responsibilities at Fair Park Middle School during the 2024-2025 school year. Now, Linwood is stepping onto the stage as the fourth school in the state under their leadership. With a past grading of “D” according to Louisiana’s grading system, Linwood has some work to do, but there’s a sense of optimism in the air.

BESE members are confident that Third Future can work their magic, similar to what they’ve accomplished at Prescott Academy in Baton Rouge. Reports show significant improvements at Prescott in just one year, outperforming Linwood which has struggled to make gains for over a decade.

Health and Community Support

Not only is Linwood changing its management, but it also hosts a clinic operated by David Raines Community Health Centers, providing essential health care for students from underserved backgrounds right on campus. This brings an extra layer of support for students and families, situating the school as a valuable community resource.

Understanding the Transition

As part of the transition, members of Third Future Schools will be meeting with Linwood teachers and parents soon to discuss the next steps. With many changes underway, it’s essential for everyone involved to feel reassured and informed about what this means for their children’s education.

What’s Next for Linwood?

In addition to the management changes, there has also been talk about Linwood possibly returning to the Caddo Parish Public Schools from the Louisiana Recovery School District (RSD). This topic is expected to come up in discussions during an upcoming BESE meeting, raising hope for some a potential fresh start.

RSD Superintendent Patrick Dobard hints that improving the overall quality of schools in Shreveport is a key concern in this conversation, emphasizing that schools must make noticeable academic progress to renew their status with RSD. Linwood was able to meet the ‘D’ requirement once, but then faced setbacks, earning an ‘F’. The stakes are high, and Linwood’s journey reflects the hard realities of striving for improvement.

Enrollment and Development Initiatives

Currently, Linwood serves around 700 students in grades K-3 and 6-8, and there are exciting plans on the horizon to expand to include fourth grade next year. The school is working hard to strengthen professional development for its teachers and staff to ensure students receive the best possible education.

It’s also reported that parental involvement is improving, but there’s still some room for growth in that area. Engaging the community more effectively could play a critical role in the ongoing journey towards better academic results.

Goals and Aspirations

Despite the challenges, School Director Staughton Jennings remains optimistic about Linwood’s prospects. There’s a shared hope that Linwood can become an independent charter school and continue contributing positively to the Caddo district. This optimism reflects in the efforts being made to improve the academic environment that serves the community so well.

As Shreveport watches this significant transformation unfold, both students and the broader community eagerly await the bright future that management under Third Future Schools might bring for Linwood Public Charter School.