Caddo School Board Adopts State Intervention Plan
State Proposal Aims to Address Factors Behind Seven Failing Schools
SHREVEPORT, La
On Friday, the members of the Caddo Parish School Board approved a plan proposed by the state education department that offers a design to handle the problem of seven schools that have been failing consistently. The plan was passed during an exclusive session held late Friday afternoon. The approved proposal anticipates shutting down two schools and introducing changes on five other campuses, an outcome of state laws that permit intervention in schools that receive failing grades continuously for four years.
Approximately 3,500 students are enrolled across the seven schools that the state has targeted for intervention. About a quarter of the 26 schools selected for state intervention across the state are located in Caddo Parish, according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or BESE.
Details of the Plan
The meeting held on Friday saw State Superintendent Cade Brumley presenting the details of the plan initially proposed to district leadership last month. The presented plan intended for the closure of Werner Park and Sunset Acres elementary schools at the end of the current academic year, conversion of Fair Park Middle School into a charter school, and compelling leaders at the remaining four campuses to reapply for their respective positions.
The funding for each student in these failing schools was found to exceed the average district rate. In the case of Sunset Acres, $14,000 was allocated per student, which was $3,000 more than the district average.
“If they agree with the plan I propose, they will retain control over their schools. They will make their school more efficient and ensure there are more high-quality seats for the students,” said Brumley.
Board and Public Reactions
A board member representing District 12 questioned the changes regarding personnel. “Why should we ask the leaders to reapply for their jobs?” the member asked. The plan suggests that existing school leadership will not be prevented from being rehired. The CPSB will have the decision-making authority over staff placements.
Brumley said, “We aim to implement the plan to avoid total takeover, and that’s why we carefully proposed an option that includes some school closures and a chartering. We also plan to infuse over $2 million of state money into these schools to support the students.”
The proposal, generating both support and opposition from public members over an hour of discussion, was ultimately approved by the board. As a result, 400 students from Werner Park and Sunset Acres will have to be moved to other schools.
Way ahead for Caddo Parish Schools
Adopting this plan is a significant move for the Caddo Parish School Board, and it is expected to catalyze changes and improvements in these schools. As they move forward with these changes in the following academic year, the main goals are enhancing the efficiency of their system and providing a high-quality education for every student.