CADDO PARISH, La. (
KTAL/KMSS) – The Caddo Parish School Board announced plans to close and consolidate several schools.
The Buildings and Grounds Committee has recommended to the Board that Blanchard Elementary School close and students transfer to Donnie Bickham Middle School to make it a Pre-K through 8th grade campus. Queensborough Elementary will also be closed, and students will be transferred to JS Clark Academy. Eighty-First Street ECE will also be closed to transfer students to Atkins Elementary.
The buildings would be sold, and the proceeds would be dedicated to the future construction of institutional facilities. The changes would take effect in the 2025 – 2026 school year.
“We want everyone to know there will be a very easy transfer process for to go to our JS Clark Academy. We’re very excited about adding 6th grade to that campus. That will allow every student, even those graduating from JS Clark, to keep those families and siblings together,” said Keith Burton, Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools.
Certified teachers would be transferred along with the students, while the process for non-certified teachers would be different.
The school board will vote on closing and consolidating these schools during its next meeting on April 15.
“Students of Blanchard would have the opportunity to leave an aging building and come to something that is brand new and dedicated for the future growth of that community,” said Charles Smith, Director of the Caddo Parish Buildings and Grounds Committee.
The district staff said it presented a series of proposals to modernize facilities, enhance student opportunities, and leverage district assets to support long-term planning.
“These recommendations reflect our responsibility to plan with purpose for our current students and future generations. By aligning our facilities with enrollment trends, modern instructional goals, and the strength of our community partnerships, we’re creating opportunities that place students at the center of every decision. At the same time, we’re ensuring that our resources are being used wisely and efficiently in a way that honors the trust of our families and taxpayers across Caddo Parish. This is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for all of Caddo,” Burton said.
Caddo Schools’ details for proposed school closures and consolidations
- Queensborough Elementary to be consolidated to J.S. Clark Academy this fall: Staff is recommending the closure of Queensborough Elementary at the end of the 2024-25 school year, with students rezoned to J.S. Clark Academy. The proposed consolidation aligns with existing middle school attendance zones, boosts enrollment at J.S. Clark and expands student access to career exploration and enrichment programs. In addition, Willis Knighton Health System has expressed interest in purchasing the Queensborough property, creating an opportunity that allows a long-time community leader and partner of Caddo Schools to further enhance healthcare access in Shreveport and Caddo Parish. This move not only supports academic and operational goals but also prevents the site from sitting vacant, ensuring continued service to the community. Should the Board approve the recommendation, the district would list the Queensborough site at its appraised value and dedicate proceeds from the sale to a fund for future instructional facility construction.
- Blanchard Elementary to consolidate with Donnie Bickham Middle in 2026: To better serve the growing population in north Caddo and provide a more seamless educational experience for students, staff is recommending the consolidation of Blanchard Elementary with Donnie Bickham Middle School to establish a PreK-8 campus. Under the proposal, Blanchard Elementary would close at the end of the 2025-26 school year, and its PreK-3 students would transition to an expanded Donnie Bickham campus, which currently serves grades 4-8. This plan includes the construction of a new PreK-2 wing to accommodate younger learners and the addition of a school-based health clinic, ensuring access to comprehensive support services for students and families. By bringing all grade levels together on one campus, the district aims to create a more cohesive academic environment and reduce the number of school transitions for students. The consolidation also allows for expanded enrichment programs and more efficient use of district resources — maximizing the educational and operational benefits for the entire school community. This long-term investment supports not only student success but also the continued needs of the Blanchard community.
- 81st Street Early Childhood Center proposed consolidation with Atkins Elementary in 2026: Students currently served at 81st Street would be reassigned to Atkins Elementary beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The move aims to boost enrollment at Atkins and redirect resources to other district needs. The property would be appraised and advertised for sale, with funds going toward future facility construction.
- Sale of Norris Ferry Road property: Originally purchased in 2002, the 20-acre Norris Ferry Road property — recently appraised at over $3.6 million — is now being proposed for sale due to no plans for future construction in the area. Revenue from the sale would also go toward future facility construction as determined by the Board.
Caddo Schools campus enhancements for consideration
- Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle: Modifications to accommodate increased enrollment.
- Broadmoor STEM Academy: Façade upgrades and improvements
- J.S. Clark K-8 Academy: Façade upgrades and improvements to the auxiliary gym and health clinic.