HARRISONBURG, La. (KNOE) - Some schools in Catahoula Parish could potentially close their doors for good.
The Catahoula Parish School Board is set to vote on a plan that could “dramatically” change the school system.
Superintendent Johnnie Adams announced the possibility in a social media post partly addressed to parents and students on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
According to Adams, despite this being a “polarizing” decision for the board, it’s not a new topic of discussion.
“As the population has continually dwindled, several schools have been closed over the past 40-plus years,” Adams wrote. “I say this to point out that we didn’t get here as a result of any one singular or recent event. It’s the result of many things, the most impactful being years of declining enrollment and rising costs.”
In anticipation of the possibly divisive outcome, Adams urged adults to set a positive example for students.
“It is impossible for any decision to be the best possible thing for each and every individual. We can’t waste time lamenting over what we think should have (or should not have) happened,” Adams explained in the open letter. “...Our students will adapt given the proper support, but they will take their early cues first from the adults in their families and then from the adults in the school system.”
Adams closed the letter by asking parents, school and district staff, as well as Catahoula Parish residents to remain positive and pray for the well-being of the students.
The school board will vote on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.
Below is Superintendent Johnnie Adams' full letter:
“In the coming days, the nine members of the Catahoula Parish School Board will vote on a plan that, if passed, will dramatically change our school system by closing some of our schools. While it is a very polarizing decision, consolidation is not a new topic in our parish. As the population has continually dwindled, several schools have been closed over the past 40 plus years. I say this to point out that we didn’t get here as a result of any one singular or recent event. It’s the result of many things, the most impactful being years of declining enrollment and rising costs.
Our Board Members have spent countless hours thinking about it, talking about it, and looking at data to help guide them in this decision. I am not here to advocate for or against any specific plan. What I would like to say is that whatever decision is made, what we do with the opportunity is more important to the future of our students than whatever decision is made. It will be vitally important that we all work together and do what it takes to ensure that the changes result in positive outcomes for our students and employees. .
When you add the number of students and staff in this school district there are over 1,000 people. It is impossible for any decision to be the best possible thing for each and every individual. We can’t waste time lamenting over what we think should have (or should not have) happened. We must direct all of our time and efforts to making sure that our students adapt to the changes as seamlessly as possible and benefit from it.
Our students will adapt given the proper support, but they will take their early cues first from the adults in their families and then from the adults in the school system. As adults, let’s allow them to adapt in an atmosphere free from negativity. No matter what we think of the changes that are made, it’s up to all of us to make this an opportunity to improve our school system for our students. I will close by asking the following:
Parents and families - stay positive and don’t create negative expectations and anxiety for your children. Negativity and anxiety will lessen their chances of success or delay that success.
School and district personnel - Commit yourself to making sure that whatever changes are made result in positive outcomes for our students. Be supportive, caring and attentive to the needs of the students.
All Catahoula Parish residents - pray for our students, families, and the staff at our schools and school district. Pray for faith in God’s plan, for patience to work through the bumps that are sure to come, for everyone involved to be committed to creating positive outcomes, for everyone to use this as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Just pray. Whatever the outcome of any School Board decision, let’s allow Matthew 19:26 to guide us as we move forward:
‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.‘”
Johnnie Adams, Catahoula Parish School Superintendent
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