News Summary
As the new school year nears, Caddo Parish officials emphasize the importance of safety measures to protect students and staff.
Shreveport, LA – As the new school year approaches, Caddo Parish school officials are prioritizing safety measures to ensure the well-being of students and staff. With the first day of classes scheduled for August 13, officials are actively implementing strategies to address various safety challenges and encourage family involvement in campus security.
Don Gibbs, the director of Caddo Parish Schools Security, has outlined the district’s approach to enhancing campus safety. The security strategies of the district have been evolving based on national trends as well as local needs. Key security measures include controlled access points to school facilities, extensive surveillance systems, and regular emergency drills designed to prepare students and staff for various scenarios.
The district remains committed to staying ahead of emerging threats to school safety. An integral part of this approach includes encouraging families to actively engage with their children about safety matters. Parents are urged to promptly report any suspicious behavior and to actively participate in school safety meetings and volunteer initiatives. Strong community partnerships are deemed essential for fostering a proactive safety culture within the schools.
Caddo Parish leaders understand the importance of maintaining not only physical security but also emotional support within the learning environment. In a community-focused effort, an email donation drive is currently underway at Safety Town in Shreveport. This initiative seeks to help families purchase necessary school supplies, running until August 8 and accepting items such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and hand sanitizer.
A giveaway event is also scheduled for July 26 at Safety Town, where students in need will receive free backpacks, school supplies, and haircuts, reinforcing the community’s commitment to supporting families as they prepare for the new school year.
Recent incidents at Caddo Parish Schools have prompted further attention to safety. A mother, Tekiyah Evans, reported that her son was left alone in an empty classroom after hours at the 81st Street Early Childhood Education Center. In response, Caddo Parish Schools confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing. One staff member has been dismissed, and another is currently on administrative leave as a result of the incident. The district’s Superintendent Keith Burton has visited the school to discuss safety concerns and address the family’s issues directly.
In light of this incident, Caddo Parish Schools are reviewing their safety procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future and to reinforce protections for their students. Additionally, detectives from the Shreveport Police Department are investigating the incident to determine if there was any criminal negligence involved in leaving Evans’ son unattended.
In a broader context, efforts to support student safety continue to evolve. Recently, Meta introduced a new School Partnership Program aimed at helping educators manage and report teen safety issues, including incidents of cyberbullying. This initiative aligns with the ongoing discussions about enhancing safety protocols within educational settings, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe and supportive learning atmosphere for all students.
As the Caddo Parish community prepares for the new school year, the focus on safety remains a top priority. The combined efforts of school officials, families, and community partners aim to create an environment where students can learn and thrive safely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport School Supply Giveaway by Caddo Sheriff’s Office
Bossier Parish Reports Decline in Crime Rates Amid Proactive Policing Efforts
Shreveport Shooting Incidents Leave One Dead and Two Injured
Shreveport Starts Construction on Knight Street Southbound Lane
Shreveport Woman Charged After Hitting Officer with Vehicle
Shreveport Man Arrested for Kidnapping after Woman Escapes Gunfire
Shreveport Man Arrested Following Domestic Violence Incident
Knight Street Reconstruction Progresses in Shreveport
Shreveport Police Crackdown on Retail Theft
Rising Gun Violence Poses Threat to Local Schools
Additional Resources
- KTBS: Caddo Schools Security Director Outlines Ongoing Safety Efforts
- Wikipedia: School Security
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Caddo Sheriff School Supplies Donations
- Google Search: Caddo Schools Safety
- KSLA: Caddo Schools Confirm Investigation After Small Child Left Classroom Alone
- Google Scholar: School Safety Initiatives
- Bossier Press: Christus Shreveport-Bossier Earns Highest Grade for Hospital Patient Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safe and Sound Education
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.
