Caddo superintendent proposes Louisiana Tech site for new career center; committee recommends negotiations

Superintendent Burton asked the Caddo Parish School Board’s Building, Grounds & Security Committee to approve staff to begin negotiations with Louisiana Tech to acquire property that currently houses the virtual academy and surrounding acreage for a new career center.

Burton told the committee the district has refocused priorities for 2025–26 on school supports, attendance and behavior interventions, rebranding and workforce development. He described workforce changes already under way — including moving about 37 central‑office positions into schools and new attendance hearings — and said the proposed career center would expand industry partnerships and on‑ramps to high‑paying local jobs.

“We have the funds in hand, to be able to begin this building, and we feel like we could build this building without adding any burden to the taxpayers,” Burton said, and asked the committee to bring a motion allowing staff to begin discussions with Louisiana Tech.

Burton described the recommended site as roughly 30 acres near I‑20 and industry employers — including a new Amazon site — with good highway access but some required improvements. He urged the board to consider access, visibility and long‑term adaptability: “Is it a place where it can operate morning, noon and night? Can it be easily accessible?” he asked.

Board members pressed staff on how a relocation would affect students at the virtual academy and how the district would communicate changes. Burton said district staff have begun speaking with CVA administrators and will continue outreach to parents and the community during negotiations. Committee members also questioned driving times for students, which Burton estimated would add only a few minutes for most schools and somewhat more for one high school in the district.

Committee members raised funding options. One member noted the Louisiana capital outlay request process as a possible source and suggested partnering with hospitals and industry. Burton and staff said they will pursue multiple funding avenues and coordinate with state and local officials for infrastructure needs such as turn lanes.

The committee unanimously voted to recommend that the full school board formally initiate price negotiations for the Louisiana Tech property at its Nov. 18 meeting. The board will consider the recommendation and any formal purchase terms at that meeting.