News Summary
Faculty and staff at Linwood Public Charter School in Shreveport express growing concerns over a potential transfer of control from the Recovery School District to Third Future Schools. Educators emphasize a lack of communication from both organizations, prompting calls for community involvement. The school’s academic performance is under scrutiny, with many hoping for positive changes that prioritize student welfare. Upcoming discussions regarding management may significantly impact the school’s future and its 700 students.
Concerns Grow at Linwood Public Charter School Over Future Changes
In the vibrant city of Shreveport, a wave of concern has washed over the faculty and staff at Linwood Public Charter School (LPCS) as discussions heat up about a potential transfer of control from the Recovery School District (RSD) to Third Future Schools. This new management outfit is currently in charge of Fair Park Middle School, but educators at Linwood are left feeling uneasy about what this change could mean for their students and the school community.
Last week, staff members were recently informed of the decision to consider this transfer, sparking a spirited conversation about the lack of communication from both the RSD and the state education department. Educators at LPCS are expressing concerns that they haven’t been fully kept in the loop about such a critical overhaul. Faculty members are anxious about Third Future Schools’ capabilities, referencing the necessity of concrete, hard data demonstrating their expertise in managing schools—otherwise, they firmly believe the decision should be reversed.
Community Collaboration Encouraged
In light of these unsettling developments, board member Mildred Toliver is urging the local community to get involved. She’s encouraging families and residents to contact their representatives and senators to voice their worries regarding how this potential management transfer could affect the school’s future. Community support is essential as they navigate the likelihood of rejoining Caddo Parish Public Schools after removing Linwood due to poor performance nearly eight years ago.
Looking ahead, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is set to chat about the possibility of granting control of Linwood back to Caddo. The topic is timely, as Superintendent Patrick Dobard of RSD has pointed out that Linwood’s situation is a piece of a bigger puzzle regarding the overall quality of Shreveport’s educational landscape.
Understanding Linwood’s Challenges
Linwood caters to approximately 700 students in grades K-3 and 6-8. The school is navigating through some tough times; it was able to meet the requirement of a “D” grade during its first renewal but saw the score slip back down to an “F.” For a subsequent renewal with the RSD, the stakes keep rising—Linwood needs to achieve at least a “C” grade, a goal they did not meet this past December.
Despite these challenges, Director Staughton Jennings of Linwood holds a hopeful outlook, declaring that the school is on the path to improvement. He emphasizes that they are putting in the effort to enhance both the academic environment and school culture. Interestingly, Linwood operates “two schools in one,” offering educational services for both elementary grades and older students, which adds an extra layer of complexity.
The Management Dilemma
Currently, Linwood is under the auspices of SABIS Educational Systems, a Minnesota-based organization that claims to have driven significant improvements since stepping in back in 2009. Linwood was even given the green light in 2014 to extend its educational offerings to elementary grades. In response to the recent developments, Jennings lends his voice to the conversation, expressing a desire for Linwood to remain independent and hopes that it will serve as a beacon of what a successful charter school can be.
In fact, there are plans in place to introduce a fourth grade next year, indicating that Linwood is deeply committed to professional development for its talented teachers and staff. As the RSD has assumed control of over 100 schools but has remained largely dormant for most of the past decade, Superintendent Cade Brumley has plans to take a more assertive approach in managing schools that are struggling. Alarmingly, 28 schools across Louisiana are currently on the list for potential takeover, and seven schools in Caddo Parish are classified as failing.
Next Steps for Linwood and the RSD
As the situation continues to evolve, the upcoming meeting with BESE to discuss the management of Linwood awaits further approval. The community is watching closely, and many hope for a positive resolution that puts the students’ best interests first. With the landscape of education in Shreveport shifting, Linwood is positioning itself for a brighter future, eager to establish a successful roadmap ahead.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS News
- Wikipedia: Linwood Public Charter School
- KSLA News
- Google Search: Linwood Public Charter School
- 710 KEEL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in Louisiana
- Shreveport Times
