The Natchitoches Parish School Board held an extensive meeting this week addressing multiple key items, including a proposed staggered start schedule for the 2026–2027 school year, issuance of requests for proposals for new buses and networking equipment, approval of the 2026 school board meeting calendar, and canvassing results from a recent special election. Board members engaged in detailed debate over the potential impacts on students, staff, and the community, ultimately voting down the staggered start proposal while approving other agenda items.
The discussion on staggered start times dominated the meeting. The proposal, which would have adjusted school start times to begin intake at 7:30 a.m. and classes at 8:15 a.m., drew significant input from administrators, teachers, principals, and parents. Concerns centered on student instructional time, transportation logistics, and the effects on families, particularly those with children in rural areas or with special needs.
“While we agree this is a buzzing problem, there are other solutions,” said one administrator, emphasizing the risk of disrupting all 12 schools for a relatively small problem. “We have a great system in place that has earned accolades for student achievement. Messing with the instructional schedule risks that success.”
Board members weighed differing perspectives. One expressed concern about transportation logistics, noting that many bus drivers hold second jobs that could be affected by a revised schedule. He also cited feedback from multiple school principals, who largely opposed the proposal, and warned that moving start times could inadvertently create more issues with car riders and bus capacity.
Another highlighted research indicating that later start times can improve student learning, citing adolescent sleep patterns. “It’s hard to function when you get up too early,” she said, noting that while the change may not benefit every student, it could be worthwhile to try.
Others emphasized the importance of instructional minutes, warning that even minor reductions in class time could accumulate to significant learning loss over a school year. “We’ve had extreme changes over the last 12 months,” one said. “We need to take a step back before introducing more disruption.”
Several board members stressed the potential impact on children with special needs, citing routines and therapy schedules that could be disrupted by the proposed schedule. Board member Steven Harris highlighted logistical challenges, such as recruiting additional bus riders and the effect on families, teachers, and after-school programs.
Parents and teachers reinforced these concerns. One parent of special-needs children described the strain of long school days due to therapy appointments, while a substitute teacher cited early bus pickup times, sometimes as early as 5 a.m., and questioned the budgetary implications of changing schedules. One principal underscored the importance of preserving instructional time and managing student intake effectively.
After a robust discussion, the motion to approve staggered start times was put to a roll call vote and failed, with six board members voting against and five in favor.
The meeting also addressed the 2026 school board meeting calendar. The board voted on whether to maintain a “Tuesday, Tuesday” meeting schedule, with minor adjustments for January to accommodate holidays and staff report deadlines. Board member Chad Fredieu suggested amending the January meetings to the 13th and 15th instead of the 13th and 20th, allowing adequate preparation time for reports and agendas. After discussion, the motion to adopt the amended calendar was approved unanimously.
During the finance portion of the meeting, the board approved the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) for new school buses for the 2026–2027 school year. Three companies, including ECCO, had already expressed interest, and the board expects at least five bids during the formal bidding process. Additionally, the board approved permission to advertise for bids for FY26–31 for the district’s networking equipment, securing vendor pricing for the next five years. Both motions passed unanimously.
The board also canvassed the results of the November 15 special election for Consolidated School District No. 11, which authorized the issuance of general obligation bonds. The resolution declaring the results was approved unanimously.
Finally, the board approved multiple policy items, covering policies D through M, in a single roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
Board President Reba Phelps emphasized the district’s ongoing commitment to evaluating and improving operations. “There are opportunities on both sides,” she said, urging the board to remain flexible and proactive in addressing challenges, while keeping student welfare at the forefront.
The board’s next meeting will occur in January under the newly approved 2026 calendar, with a continued focus on strategic planning, policy review, and operational improvements.