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Parents and activists press Caddo Parish School Board on transparency, access and priorities
Summary
Multiple public commenters at the Nov. 18 Caddo Parish School Board meeting criticized missing minutes, limited public access and board priorities; speakers urged more face-to-face engagement for parents and warned of increasing community pressure.
A steady stream of public commenters at the Nov. 18 Caddo Parish School Board meeting urged the board to improve transparency and increase opportunities for parents to participate in decisions affecting schools.
Joan Glover opened public comment by saying she could not find recent meeting minutes on the district’s website — ‘‘The last minute that's on this was recorded 09/02/2025’’ — and said that limited, summary-style minutes and missing online records disadvantage citizens who want to follow board decisions. Jacqueline Miller told the board parents should be afforded ‘‘the space to face assembly to ask questions’’ and called for clearer, more accessible processes so marginalized families can engage directly with district leaders.
Community organizer Bobby Woodruff, representing DSA All Streets All People and allied youth groups, delivered a sharply critical address accusing the board of an ‘‘anti democratic’’ streak and saying the board has favored closures and charterization over public engagement. ‘‘If you feel like the public is confused on some of your policies, that's your fault, not theirs,’’ Woodruff said, and warned the board his groups will continue pressuring members on issues facing students and teachers.
Speakers’ concerns appeared across the agenda and influenced debate later in the meeting about policies and contracts. Board leaders acknowledged public comment, clarified procedures for time limits and consent items, and said staff will assist community members who need help accessing documents or submitting comment cards.
The board did not take formal action in response to specific transparency requests at this meeting but accepted public comment and confirmed it would route concerns to staff when appropriate. Several speakers requested clearer online postings of minutes and more outreach to working parents who cannot attend meetings held after hours.
The meeting concluded after the board approved several agenda items; public commenters said they plan to continue monitoring and engaging with the district.
