The Natchitoches Parish School Board made significant decisions during its latest meeting on March 13, including the closure of Goldonna Elementary and the Natchitoches Jr. High, a debated proposal to relocate sixth-grade students from Fairview Alpha Elementary to Lakeview, and updates to job descriptions. The meeting also saw heated discussions on sick leave policy changes and the future of the soon-to-be-closed school facilities.
School Closure and Community Response
The board voted to close Goldonna Elementary and the Natchitoches Jr. High for the 2025-2026 school year, citing economic challenges exacerbated by the recent closure of IP’s Red River Mill in Cmapti. Students from the closed schools will be reassigned to Fairview Alpha, Lakeview, or other zoned schools based on grade level. The decision followed extensive deliberations and emotional testimony from community members.
Board members acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, with one stating, “I’ve always said I wouldn’t vote to close a school, but we woke up in a different world when the mill closed.” They also emphasized the importance of preserving the school’s facilities for community use. “We need to do our part in maintaining that school and allowing the community an opportunity to use it,” another board member added.
Despite some resistance, the motion passed in a roll-call vote. However, concerns about the school building’s future use lingered, with questions about whether the gymnasium should remain open if the structure was deemed unfit for students. While air quality reports did not indicate immediate hazards, they recommended ongoing monitoring due to moisture issues.
Debate Over Sixth-Grade Relocation
The board also discussed a proposal to relocate sixth-grade students from Fairview Alpha Elementary to Lakeview, reconfiguring Fairview Alpha as a Pre-K through fifth-grade school and Lakeview as a sixth- through twelfth-grade institution.
Community members expressed concerns about placing younger students in a high school environment. One parent pointed to studies suggesting negative effects of such a transition, arguing that Fairview Alpha had enough space to retain its sixth-grade students.
A representative for Fairview’s principal at the board meeting urged the board to delay the decision until an impact analysis on school performance scores could be conducted. Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi acknowledged that simulations had not yet been performed but assured the board that such data could be available at a later meeting.
While some board members highlighted potential academic and extracurricular benefits for students, others remained concerned about safety and discipline at Lakeview. They acknowledged past issues but noted significant improvements in recent years.
Sick Leave Policy Debate
A proposal to update the district’s sick leave donation policy was tabled following strong opposition from educators. Some teachers voiced concerns that the revised policy would significantly limit their ability to donate sick days to colleagues in need.
One teacher shared their personal experience of donating 20 sick days to a spouse, arguing that the proposed changes would prevent similar acts of support. Another speaker emphasized that the policy would introduce unnecessary restrictions beyond Louisiana’s Act 115, which already limits donations to half of an employee’s accumulated leave.
After hearing these concerns, board members agreed to table the policy for further review. “We want to make sure this policy reflects the intent of the law and truly supports our educators,” one board member stated.
Job Description Updates and New Crossing Guard Role
The board approved updates to several job descriptions, including replacing the “Accounting Manager” position with a “Retirement Coordinator/Accounting Assistant” role. Officials clarified that this was not a new position but a restructuring to better meet district needs.
Additionally, the board established a formal job description for school crossing guards. Previously managed through the city, these positions will now be overseen by the school district. The new guidelines include increased pay and an age requirement of 25 or older to enhance safety. Training will be conducted in collaboration with local law enforcement.
Next Steps and Future Discussions
The next school board meeting will include further discussions on the sixth-grade transition, as well as updates on the future use of the closed school facilities. Board members reiterated the importance of unity in decision-making, emphasizing that all changes should prioritize the well-being of students, teachers, and the community.