Shreveport, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Caddo Parish School Board has approved the sale of the former Queensborough Elementary School for $1.3 million, despite community concerns about the property’s value. The decision comes four months after the school’s closure, with seven board members supporting the sale. Community members voiced worries that the bid undervalued the property and expressed hopes that proceeds would benefit neighboring schools absorbing former students. The buyer, Willis Knighton Health, has not revealed future plans for the site, raising further uncertainties in the community.
Shreveport—The Caddo Parish School Board has approved a $1.3 million sale of the Queensborough Elementary School property, despite concerns raised by community members. This decision occurred nearly four months after the school was officially closed.
The vote, which took place on August 19, showed 7 school board members in favor of the bid, with only Dr. Bonita Douzart opposing it and Christine Tharpe choosing to abstain. The board held a meeting to gather public comments regarding the sale prior to the vote, emphasizing the community’s interest in the future of the property.
One notable voice during the meeting was Shreveport resident Jaqueline Miller, who previously worked at Queensborough Elementary. She raised concerns about the adequacy of the bid, arguing that it undervalued the property based on its history and condition. Miller pointed out that the school had undergone significant renovations following catastrophic fires in the late 1980s and 1990s and described it as a truly beautiful site. She suggested that the funds from the sale should benefit the schools that took in the students from Queensborough after its closure.
School board member Barry Rachal commented on the financial aspect of the sale, highlighting that the $1.3 million bid is the highest amount the board has seen for a property sale in nearly two decades. He compared this sale to previous ones, noting that earlier sales often resulted in discounted values of up to 70% off the appraised price. This current bid, however, reflects about 93% of the property’s appraised value, as determined by a commercial property appraiser.
The buyer, Willis Knighton Health, based in Shreveport, has not publicly disclosed any plans for the former school property. The uncertainty surrounding the future use of the site has contributed to community apprehensions regarding the decision.
Queensborough Elementary served the community for several years before its closure due to declining enrollment and financial challenges faced by the Caddo Parish School District. The recent closure and subsequent property sale illustrate the ongoing shifts within the district as it adapts to changes in student populations and funding resources.
As the community reacts to the sale, many continue to express hope that the funds generated will lead to enhancements in local educational facilities that have absorbed Queensborough’s former students.
Key Takeaways
- Caddo Parish School Board approved $1.3 million sale of Queensborough Elementary property.
- The vote followed nearly four months after the school’s closure announcement.
- 7 members supported the sale with one opposition and one abstention.
- Community concerns focused on the value of the property and benefit to schools absorbing students.
- The sale marks one of the highest property sales in nearly two decades, according to board member Barry Rachal.
- The future plans for the property by the buyer, Willis Knighton Health, remain uncertain.
FAQ Section
What is the significance of the Queensborough Elementary property sale?
The sale represents a significant financial decision for the Caddo Parish School Board and reflects the board’s strategy on managing district properties amidst changing enrollment trends.
Who purchased the Queensborough Elementary property?
The property was purchased by Willis Knighton Health, based in Shreveport.
Why was there community concern regarding the sale?
Community members expressed concerns that the bid undervalued the property and advocated for the proceeds to benefit schools that welcomed former Queensborough students.
What percentage of the appraised value does the sale represent?
The sale represents approximately 93% of the appraised value as determined by a commercial property appraiser, which is significantly higher than past property sales by the board.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sale Amount | $1.3 million |
| Property Appraisal Percentage | 93% |
| Previous Sales Discounts | Up to 70% |
| Time Since Closure Announcement | Nearly 4 months |
| Ex-board Support | 7 members in favor |
| Opposition/Abstention | 1 opposition, 1 abstention |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Caddo Parish School Board Required to Revise Closure Hearing Process
Caddo School Board Faces Backlash Over Elementary Closure
Caddo Parish School Board Adjusts Attendance Zones After Closure
Shreveport Community Mobilizes to Save Blanchard Elementary School
Caddo Parish School Board Proposes School Closures
Shreveport Schools to Undergo Significant Changes
Additional Resources
- The Center Square
- Wikipedia: Caddo Parish, Louisiana
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Google Search: Queensborough Elementary School
- KTAL News
- Google Scholar: Caddo Parish Schools
- KSLA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Caddo Parish
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
