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Natchitoches Parish School Board votes to close Goldonna Elementary-Junior High for 2025-26
Summary
The board voted to close Goldonna Elementary-Junior High for the 2025-26 school year; current students will be rezoned to Fairview Alpha or Lakeview depending on grade. Board members cited building damage and repair costs during debate and emphasized the vote addresses closure only, not future use of the property.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted unanimously March 13 to close Goldonna Elementary-Junior High for the 2025-26 school year, with current Goldonna students to attend either Fairview Alpha or Lakeview depending on grade level.
Board members said the action is prompted by ongoing building damage and rising repair costs. "We're acting in the best interest of these kids and employees there," said Missus Magaski, a board member who visited the school, adding that she observed leaking, mold and damage after recent rains and that repairs would be expensive. She said estimates include about $1,200,000 for a roof and as much as $10,000,000 to fully repair the building.
Board members and public speakers framed the vote as a difficult but necessary step. "To the people of Goldonna, I'm sorry, you put up a good fight and it's been an honor to represent you," said Mister Fradou, a board member, while urging the board to preserve community uses and equipment on the site where possible.
The board president noted the motion before members was specifically to close the school and did not authorize any disposition, sale or demolition of the property. "This line item is to close the school. It's not addressing what will be done with the building, what will be done with the property," the president said. Board members urged that any future decisions about the building be returned to the full board for approval.
Several board members and staff described steps the district will take to maintain the site while it remains owned by the district, including continued grounds maintenance, limited camera and internet monitoring and periodic inspections. Board members also said certain items funded by Consolidated 7 (referred to in discussion as BRE funds) should not be removed from the site for use elsewhere without clear board approval.
The vote was taken by roll call and carried with every member present voting yes. The board did not adopt a final disposition plan for the building at the meeting; board members who opposed keeping goldonna open said they wanted a committee and community input on next steps.
The board directed staff to coordinate logistics for student transfers and to return with further implementation details in coming meetings.
