Community members in Shreveport petition to keep Blanchard Elementary School open

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Members of the Shreveport community are coming together to prevent Blanchard Elementary School from closing permanently.

Earlier this week, the Caddo Parish School Board announced plans to close and consolidate several schools. The Buildings and Grounds Committee has recommended that Blanchard Elementary School close, with students transferring to Donnie Bickham Middle School. Blanchard is one of several campuses that would be sold, with the proceeds going to the future construction of institutional facilities. In response, concerned parents and community members are taking action.

A petition has been created on change.org to keep Blanchard Elementary School open. Many parents have voiced their concerns about the closures and how important Blanchard Elementary is to them. “I have nothing but good things to say about Blanchard Elementary. The staff has always gone above and beyond for my children and I have always felt like their safety was a priority,” said Leticia from Bossier City.

Several individuals also voiced concerns about the students transferring to Donnie Bickham and how the school is unsuitable for younger children. “The kids will get bullied at a bigger school. Donnie Bickham Middle has already had a lot of complaints about bullying. How would you feel if your pre-k kid getting bullied from to 5-8th graders?” said Gary from Shreveport. Another individual also commented on Donnie Bickham, saying, “I personally know too many people whose children have dealt with bullying at Donnie Bickham and would never send my kids there.”

In response to the claims regarding student safety and bullying, the Caddo School District stated, “We understand there may be some concern raised regarding student safety and bullying, particularly in light of the potential transition from Blanchard Elementary to Donnie Bickham Middle School. As the district that oversees Donnie Bickham, we want to reassure families that student well-being is our highest priority. Donnie Bickham follows all Caddo Parish School Board policies related to bullying, including the thorough investigation of any reports or concerns brought to school administrators.”

The district said Donnie Bickham has not received an overwhelming number of bullying complaints. Still, it recognizes that any instance, real or perceived, can be troubling to parents and students alike. The school board will vote on closing and consolidating these schools during its next meeting on April 15. If approved, certified teachers would be transferred along with the students, while the process for non-certified teachers would be different.

If you would like to sign the petition to save Blanchard Elementary School, visit change.org.