Parents and residents press Caddo Parish School Board over recent school closures

Parents and residents urged the Caddo Parish School Board on May 20 to explain and reconsider recent school closures and to provide clear plans for affected students, particularly those at Queensborough Elementary and the specialized program at 80 First Street.

Their concerns came during the meeting’s visitor section, where more than a dozen community members criticized the timetable and communication around closures. "I feel like that wasn't just a school for him. It was a family," parent Ameshia Hall said, speaking of her son who had attended Queensborough. "He was learning quite a bit ... I will fight for that child."

The comments reflected a pattern of worry about rushed decision‑making and limited notice. Community organizer Omari Hossain (representing ASAP) told the board the Queensborough closing "is discriminatory" and said parents learned of changes on short notice: "You voted that following Tuesday, the school closed down on Friday, May 15," Hossain said. Several other speakers said the closures had produced logistical problems, threatened access to summer feeding and other services, and in some cases would require students to travel farther for school.

Speakers also highlighted special‑education concerns at 80 First Street. Kenny Gordon, who identified himself as a resident, said the campus serves students with disabilities who "need this school" and urged the board to reconsider the closure. Sheila Crosby Wimberly pressed the board directly: "Did you discuss a plan with the parents, the stakeholders, and the individuals who will subsequently lose their jobs? Have you placed the students?" she asked.

Board members did not announce a reversal of any closure during the meeting. However, the board did ask staff to follow up with parents about placement plans for students moved from 80 First Street. "Could we just get somebody from staff to get with Miss Wimberly about the plan for the children at 80 First Street?" board member Jacqueline Miller requested; staff responded that a follow‑up would be arranged.

Superintendent Burton and other administrators acknowledged the public concern and said staff would work with families to address individual placement and service questions. Several speakers asked the district to publish clearer, school‑by‑school information on which board member represents each neighborhood and to provide earlier notice when changes are being considered.

The public‑comment portion of the meeting also included broader critiques of district priorities. John Glover, a resident, said parents perceive the board as prioritizing property sales and finances over students. "It seems that the biggest agenda ... is making money, selling properties," he said.

The visitors’ comments were the most discussed item in the meeting’s public section; formal votes on closures were not taken at this session. Board members and staff repeatedly told speakers that specific placement questions and special‑education service details would be handled by district staff and follow‑up communications were promised.

What happens next: staff were directed to contact affected parents and to provide clarification about student placements and services. Community speakers asked the board to restore more lead time and community engagement before implementing future changes.

Sources: public‑comment statements recorded during the Caddo Parish School Board meeting, May 20, 2025.