Caddo superintendent outlines first 100 days, proposes two open‑enrollment K–8 academies and truancy task force

Superintendent Keith Burton told the Caddo Parish School Board executive committee on Jan. 7 that his first 100 days focused on three priorities—leadership and support, expanded choices for families, and stronger direct support to schools—and outlined a package of proposals the district would bring to the board this spring and during the budget cycle.

Burton, identified in the meeting as the new superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools, said the district will propose opening two open‑enrollment preK–8 campuses in fall 2025 (JS Clark Academy and Broadmoor STEM Academy), expand career and technical education access, form a truancy and student‑support group, and reorganize central office staff to move existing positions into on‑campus support roles. "Nothing would matter if we did not have quality leaders in place," Burton said, summarizing the values that guided his early priorities.

Why it matters: Burton framed the recommendations as responses to community feedback and student needs. He said neighborhood data, juvenile court observations and surveys pointed to chronic absenteeism, special‑education needs, and concentrated poverty as drivers of poor outcomes; several of his proposals aim to change schedules, staffing and access rather than rely on one‑time grants. He repeatedly emphasized the district would reassign existing staff rather than immediately add large numbers of new positions.

Key proposals and details

- Two open‑enrollment academies: Burton asked the board to consider at its next meeting a request to open two preK–8 open‑enrollment campuses for fall…