Natchitoches Parish Schools Superintendent Dale Skinner spoke at a public forum hosted by the Citizens for Democratic Action Aug. 17 at 6:30 pm at the Arts Center on Second Street.

Skinner asked the crowd to quit listening to what people are saying on the streets because he’s “never heard anything come off the streets that’s true.”

“We’ve made some changes people didn’t like, but if that’s what’s best for the kids, then that’s what we’ll do” he said in regards to teachers leaving the district.

A tax on the ballot for the upcoming election will fund school improvements to upgrade lighting, AC and heating, floors, windows and more at City schools.

Skinner also addressed a rumor of overcrowding at LP Vaughn, to which he said that there are 20 students per classroom.

When questioned about increasing the number of African American teachers working in the district, Skinner said that HR Director Linda Page travels across the country trying to find African American teachers to work.

An audience member said they’d like to see more African Americans in the school system, but if someone isn’t qualified, they don’t need to be around the kids.