News Summary
Linwood Public Charter School in Shreveport will undergo a significant management transition as approved by the Louisiana State Education Board. Third Future Schools is set to take over management from the 2025-2026 school year. Despite being rated a ‘D’ school, Linwood has shown improvement, increasing its simulated index score to 50% in 2023. The upcoming BESE vote on April 9, 2025, will further determine the future direction of the school, which serves around 700 students from underserved families.
Exciting Changes Ahead for Linwood Public Charter School in Shreveport!
Shreveport is buzzing with news that the Louisiana State Education Board has given the green light for a major management transition at Linwood Public Charter School. This decision comes as the state looks to improve education quality and outcomes for the students currently enrolled at this institution. The transfer of management is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, and many are hopeful this will lead to positive changes for the school community.
Third Future Schools to Step In
According to officials from the Louisiana Department of Education, Third Future Schools, based in Colorado, has been recommended to take over the management of Linwood Public Charter School. This is significant since Linwood has been operating under a year-to-year management agreement with the state since 2017. The state had even considered shutting down the school but ultimately decided that a management transfer might be the better option.
A Ray of Hope for Improvement
Linwood’s CEO has shared that despite recently being rated as a “D” school under Louisiana’s grading system, there have been noteworthy improvements in performance. They reported that the school’s simulated index score has jumped from 41.4% in the 2020-2021 school year to 50% in 2023. While this is progress, challenges still loom large, primarily stemming from issues around hiring qualified teachers due to the uncertainty of a year-to-year contract.
About the Student Body
Currently, Linwood serves around 700 students in grades K-3 and 6-8, with a significant portion coming from underserved families. This demographic is a key focus for the school, and with the new management on the horizon, many hope for renewed energy and strategies to better support these students and their families.
Upcoming BESE Vote
Mark your calendars! The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is set to vote on this management transfer on April 9, 2025. Members of BESE are optimistic that Third Future Schools can deliver the kinds of results they’ve achieved at other institutions, such as Prescott Academy in Baton Rouge.
Facilitating Communication
As this transition nears, there are concerns from Linwood’s faculty and staff regarding communication. Many feel left out of the loop concerning the impending management change. The Louisiana Recovery School District (RSD), which aims to transform failing schools, has a crucial role in guiding this process.
Facing Challenges and Opportunities
Linwood has not met the state’s requirements to continue operating under the RSD, with previous performance scores dropping as low as an “F”. Despite this, the discussions around Linwood candidates express an underlying hope for better educational outcomes in Shreveport as a whole.
A Comprehensive Approach to Improvement
A holistic approach is being discussed among policymakers to address the educational challenges in the region, paving the way for collaborative planning among local school districts. The presence of a healthcare clinic at Linwood, managed by David Raines Community Health Centers, adds another layer of support for the student body, ensuring access to essential health care for these underserved kids.
What Lies Ahead?
With the proposed management change and the BESE vote approaching, the community is eager to find out how these developments will unfold. The hope is that through the collaboration with Third Future Schools, Linwood will see a brighter path to success, better supporting its students and their families while fostering a positive learning environment. Fingers crossed for what lies ahead for Linwood Public Charter School!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Concerns Grow at Linwood Public Charter School Over Future Changes
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux Unveils Plan to Combat Blight
Additional Resources
- KTBS: Third Future Schools to Operate Linwood Public Charter School Next School Year
- KTAL: Linwood Charter Louisiana BESE Board Vote Transferring School Charter to Third Future
- Shreveport Times: Linwood Charter Principal We Would Prefer to Stay Charter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Linwood Public Charter School
- Shreveport Times: Linwood Charter Updates
- Google Search: Linwood Public Charter School
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.
