Shreveport parents demand school board reconsider closures of special education facilities

As the sun began to set over Shreveport, Louisiana, the Caddo Parish School Board meeting on May 20, 2025, became a platform for passionate voices advocating for the future of local students. Parents, educators, and community members gathered to express their concerns about recent school closures and the impact on children, particularly those with special needs.

One parent, Rachel Jackson, shared a heartfelt testimony about her child’s journey through the education system. She emphasized the importance of community and support in schools, describing them as a family that nurtured her son’s growth from a special education student to an honor roll achiever. “I will fight for my child,” she declared, urging the board to prioritize the needs of students over financial decisions.

John Glover echoed these sentiments, highlighting the disconnect between the board's decisions and community input. He lamented the lack of resources for students, stating that while some were celebrated for their achievements, many others were being left behind. Glover criticized the board for closing schools without adequate community consultation, questioning the effectiveness of merging and closing institutions rather than improving them.

Kenny Gordon, a former student of one of the closed schools, passionately argued against the decision to shut down 80 First Street, a school catering to special needs students. He warned that relocating these children would disrupt their routines and support systems, making it harder for them to thrive. “You’re selling your soul,” he cautioned the board, urging them to reconsider their choices for the sake of the children.

June Melendez, a grandmother and parent, called for better communication from the board, suggesting that clearer representation of school districts on the website would help parents navigate the changes affecting their children. She expressed gratitude for the board's efforts but insisted that more needs to be done to ensure every child receives a quality education.

Sheila Crosby Wimberly, another concerned parent, questioned the board's commitment to the students, particularly those with disabilities. She urged them to develop a comprehensive plan for transitioning students from closed schools, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration of their unique needs.

The meeting also touched on the implications of closing Head Start programs, with Jacqueline Miller raising concerns about the potential loss of vital early education resources for low-income families. She highlighted the importance of these programs in providing a strong foundation for children, arguing that the board should redirect efforts to support rather than diminish these essential services.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the community's voices were united in their call for change. The board members were reminded of their responsibility to prioritize the well-being of students, ensuring that every child has access to the education and support they deserve. The discussions illuminated a pressing need for transparency, community involvement, and a renewed focus on the needs of all students in Caddo Parish.