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Board moves to begin negotiations for Louisiana Tech property as site for new career and technical center
Summary
The executive committee agreed to forward a committee recommendation to formally initiate price negotiations for Louisiana Tech property that includes the Caddo Virtual Academy site; staff said a new Caddo Career & Technical Center could cost $50M–$70M and $40M of reserves have been allocated.
The Caddo Parish executive committee advanced a recommendation on Nov. 18 to begin formal price negotiations with Louisiana Tech University and adjacent owners — including the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce where relevant — for property that includes the current site of Caddo Virtual Academy.
Staff said the acquisition is intended to support a new Caddo Career and Technical Center. While a final project scope has not been set, staff estimated a planning range of $50 million to $70 million for a modern career campus that could replace aging facilities; the administration said $40 million in district reserves has already been allocated toward that project and emphasized a goal of avoiding voter bond referendums if possible.
Board members asked about temporary housing for the virtual academy if the site is acquired; staff said discussions are underway with LSU Shreveport as a possible temporary host and that staff would return with a plan for minimizing family disruption. Officials also stressed workforce-development partnerships and the goal of broad student access to the new facility.
Why it matters: A new career and technical center is a multiyear capital undertaking that could reshape workforce pathways across the district; purchasing land and building a modern center involves significant planning, costs and decisions about student placement during construction.
Next steps: The committee forwarded the recommendation to the full board to authorize staff to begin negotiations; staff will report back with appraisals, terms and implementation plans.
