Caddo Parish Considering Closing Three Schools
According to a press release from Caddo Parish, three schools could be closing amid COVID-19-related revenue drop.
When COVID-19 shut our country down in Mid-March, I think we all knew quickly that things were going to be changing long-term. Naturally, in the months since, we've seen friends and family members lose their jobs, as well as local businesses close up shop for good.
The closures in Caddo Parish might not end with the businesses, as the School Board announced they are considering closing three Caddo Parish schools.
The press release was sent after the board's second of three meetings concluded.
The proposal, presented by Dr. T. Lamar Goree, Superintendent of Caddo Schools, proposed closing Arthur Circle Elementary, Jack P. Timmons Elementary and Mooretown Elementary.
In the proposal and the press release, Caddo Parish made it clear that no staff at the three schools would lose their job. The press release read:
Dr. Goree emphasized no staff would lose their jobs in the transition and staff where possible would follow their students or have the opportunity to apply for vacant positions in the district
According to the press release, the district in question was outperforming its current budget before COVID-19. However, once COVID-19 shut everything down, the loss of revenue in the district, coupled with the unexpected costs to address technology and food, left the district with a $12 Million budget deficit.
The Board is scheduled to vote in a special session meeting on June 9 via Zoom. The public will have the ability to speak during the Board meeting or may submit comments in advance to mwood@caddoschools.org to be read