Caddo School Board Faces Backlash Over Elementary Closure

Shreveport, Louisiana

A Caddo District Court judge has denied an injunction requested by Niesha and Steven Walpool to halt the closure of Queensborough Elementary School. The ruling, issued by District Judge Michael Pitman, also requires the Caddo Parish School Board (CPSB) to conduct a public hearing regarding changes to student attendance zones.

The CPSB had already scheduled a public hearing on this matter to coincide with their afternoon board meeting on the same day as the ruling. The legal action stems from a lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) last month on behalf of the Walpools in response to the CPSB’s April vote to close Queensborough Elementary and put the property up for sale.

The lawsuit contended that the CPSB violated its own policy regarding student attendance boundaries by failing to provide adequate notification and opportunities for public participation to families associated with Queensborough. However, board attorney Reginald Abrams affirmed that state law allows school boards the discretion to manage facilities, including the closure of schools.

Previously, Judge Pitman denied a request for a temporary restraining order, which would have stopped the closure process from advancing. This time, he mandated a public hearing after acknowledging the concerns raised by the Walpools regarding the potential impact of school closures on affected students.

Public Hearing Insights

During the public hearing, several participants raised concerns about the transition of students from Queensborough, which currently serves 222 students, to J.S. Clark Academy, which has an enrollment of 429. Issues discussed included transportation challenges, especially for those students who previously walked to school. The distance between Queensborough and J.S. Clark Academy is approximately 1.7 miles.

The Walpools specifically expressed worries about their child’s adjustment to a new educational environment, recalling past negative experiences tied to previous school closures. The proposed plan involves changing the attendance zones to incorporate students from the former Queensborough zone into J.S. Clark Academy’s jurisdiction.

Ultimately, the CPSB voted 9-1 in favor of the zoning changes during the public hearing, with board member Bonita Douzart voting against the motion. In response to the challenges faced by families impacted by the transition, district officials assured ongoing communication and support during the adjustment period.

Background and Future Changes

The decision to close Queensborough Elementary has been framed by the CPSB as a necessary step to address declining enrollment and to achieve financial savings. In addition to the closure of Queensborough, the CPSB has plans to shut down Blanchard Elementary School and the 81st Street Early Childhood Education Center by the end of the 2025-26 school year.

As part of this closure initiative, the property of Queensborough Elementary is being evaluated for acquisition by Willis Knighton Health, which aims to expand its nearby medical facilities. This proposed sale underscores the broader implications of school closures on community resources and services.