Controversial School Closures Spark Community Debate
Tempers flared as community members gathered in Shreveport, La., on Tuesday night to discuss the planned closures of two local elementary schools. A controversial decision, the closing of Sunset Acres and Werner Park elementary schools ignited deep concern among residents and stakeholders.
‘A Dying Community’
Leading the outcry was Shreveport local, Tonja Roberson, expressing her fear that these closures represented more than just schools shutting down. “If there’s no schools in the community, the community is dying,” Roberson stated passionately, communicating the sentiment and shared anxiety of many community members present at the meeting.
Facing Closure and the Need for Equity
State officials have classified both Sunset Acres and Werner Park elementary schools as academically unacceptable, officially sanctioning their closure. This news stoked embers into flames, sparking renewed dialogue surrounding equity in education.
“How can we have equality without equity?” Roberson questioned. “Let’s give these children a fair chance. These other kids get to go to school in their communities. Why can’t our babies go to school in our community?”
Rising Concerns
The decision to close these particular schools attracted attention because both campuses primarily serve African-American students and consist of predominantly African-American staff. The fear that the unique cultural and societal challenges faced by these communities might be overlooked or disregarded is a major source of concern.
“Because all of the Black schools look like in the city of Shreveport are closing down. And we want to see what it is that the community can do,” shared Barbara Norton, president of Shreveport Concerned Citizens, the sponsoring organization behind Tuesday night’s gathering.
Facing an Uncertain Future
Future plans for students include moving pupils from Sunset Elementary to Westwood Elementary, and those from Werner Park to Caddo Heights Elementary. The relocation of hundreds of students to these institutions will bring both of them to near capacity.
The frustration among community members is palpable: “Again, children are being collateral damage for decisions that adults are making and not concerned about the children,” Roberson said.
Community activist Craig Lee also shared his observations: “And now people are like ‘Whoa, the schools are closing.’ But there’s nothing you’re going to be able to do about that. The bottom line is to vote out individuals who are not effective.”
Next Steps
Representatives of Shreveport Concerned Citizens plan to further discuss the school closures with Caddo School Board leaders. Only two School Board members attended the meeting on Tuesday night, signalling a challenging path ahead for community advocates seeking to dialogue and advocate for their concerns.
