At the March 6 Natchitoches Parish School Board meeting, discussions covered a range of topics, including local basketball achievements, national recognition for the district, financial challenges following the planned closure of International Paper’s Red River Mill in Campti, and potential school re-banding efforts.
Basketball Success
The superintendent celebrated the achievements of local high school basketball teams. The Lady Gators are set to compete in the championship game, while the Gators are vying for a trip to Lake Charles.
Additionally, the Lady Chiefs had an impressive season, making it to the quarterfinals before falling to Zachary.
National Recognition by NPR
A major highlight was the announcement that National Public Radio (NPR) recently completed a story on the district’s education recovery efforts. The segment will air on March 13, showcasing the district’s progress and success on a national scale.
Washington, D.C. Conference and Funding Clarifications
The superintendent also discussed a recent trip to Washington, D.C., where district leaders attended the NIET (National Institute for Excellence in Teaching) conference. The trip allowed district officials to engage with Louisiana’s congressional delegation on federal education grant concerns. Notably, the superintendent met with NIET founder Lowell Milken, who praised the district’s work.
In response to concerns about the trip’s timing amid discussions of school closures, the superintendent clarified that the conference was funded through Title II, a federal program designated specifically for professional development, rather than general school funds.
International Paper Closure and Financial Impact
A key topic of discussion was the anticipated financial impact of the International Paper closure. The school board’s finance team reported a projected 12% reduction in parish-wide revenue, with District 7 expected to face a drastic 60% funding cut. The closure will significantly affect funding for school building maintenance, bond obligations, and general operations. Officials are preparing for budget adjustments to compensate for the loss.
Bus Driver Concerns
A bus driver voiced concerns about staff shortages and the impact of student absences on transportation services. The speaker suggested reevaluating how attendance policies affect bus drivers, emphasizing the importance of consistent school attendance for students’ education.
School Calendar Review
The board reviewed the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar, which was developed through faculty and staff surveys. The calendar maintains a structure similar to previous years, with 168 instructional days for students and 176 workdays for teachers, including professional development and conference days. The proposal received overwhelming support from 92% of faculty and staff. Board members also discussed the feasibility of a year-round school model but noted that survey results indicated strong support for the existing calendar format.
School Restructuring Proposals
Two significant proposals were discussed:
A. Closing Goldonna Elementary and Junior High: Due to declining student enrollment and financial constraints, the board considered the possibility of closing the school. While the Jr. High campus on Breazeale Springs Street would close, the students and staff would be moved to the Magnet campus on Dean Street. The Magnet students and staff would be moved to the East Natchitoches campus on East Fifth Street and the East Natchitoches students and staff would be absorbed into other campuses depending on the grade level.
B. Moving 6th Grade from Fairview Alpha to Lakeview Junior-Senior High: The board considered shifting 6th-grade students from Fairview Alpha Elementary to Lakeview Junior-Senior High for the 2025-2026 school year. Proponents argued that the move would provide students with greater access to programs such as ROTC, athletics, and advanced coursework. However, some board members expressed concerns about academic performance differences between the two schools and the logistics of integrating younger students into a high school environment.
Other Board Business
Additional discussions included updates on tax revenues, school finances, and a proposed sick leave bank policy to aid employees facing catastrophic illnesses. The board also heard public comments related to potential school closures.
The March 13 board meeting will further address financial planning and district priorities as officials navigate these challenges.
