Caddo Parish Public Schools

The meeting provided an overview of the transition to the Blue Advantage (PPO) health plan for retirees and spouses enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Key discussion topics included the specific rules regarding premium payments, the timeline for the transition, and the requirement to enroll in Medicare Part A and B for ongoing eligibility. The presentation also detailed specific plan benefits such as the zero copay structure, dental coverage with United Concordia, vision coverage, and the introduction of a Flex Card for over-the-counter purchases and eyeglass expenses.

This Performance Evaluation Plan for Caddo Parish Public Schools outlines comprehensive guidelines for personnel evaluation, focusing on enhancing the quality of instruction and administration. It details a framework that integrates measures of student growth, including Value-Added Models and Student Learning Targets, with qualitative assessments derived from observation tools and established standards of effectiveness. The plan also covers protocols for observations, professional development, intensive assistance, due process, and grievance procedures, aiming to ensure an excellent school system and foster continuous improvement among employees.

This document outlines the School Choice Plan for Caddo Parish Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year, developed under the Federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The plan details procedures for offering school choice options to parents whose children attend schools failing to meet required School Performance Score levels. Key components include providing opportunities for transferring students to higher-performing schools, with a focus on prioritizing low-income and low-performing students, ensuring transportation, identifying eligible sending and receiving schools (including magnet programs), and providing supplemental support for students who do not transfer. The plan aims to provide equitable solutions and access to high-quality education for all students.

The committee meeting focused heavily on updates regarding the new Career Center project, which involves securing a new site location. Discussion centered on the progress of negotiations for acquiring property from Louisiana Tech University (approximately 29.67 acres for $775,000 plus in-kind services, representing about 40% of the appraised value) and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce (approximately 38.71 acres for $850,000, representing about 50% of the appraised value). The in-kind services agreement with Louisiana Tech includes funding up to three years of salary and benefits for staff supporting district pathways and dual enrollment, contingent upon the facility becoming operational, alongside co-branding opportunities. The committee reviewed the location's suitability concerning workforce alignment, physical design, transportation access, and construction costs. Furthermore, funding sources were clarified, indicating that proceeds from the sale of the Queensboro facility and $65 million set aside from surpluses will cover land acquisition and construction costs without requiring additional taxpayer funds.

The meeting commenced with roll call following the invocation and pledge. Key discussions during the visitor section included concerns regarding public access to detailed meeting minutes, specifically noting that the latest posted minutes were from September 2, 2025, while the current meeting approved October 21, 2025, minutes. Visitors also raised points about the level of detail in the minutes, the need for face-to-face assemblies for parents, and concerns over perceived anti-democratic practices, including the scheduling of meetings that exclude working people. The board addressed parliamentary inquiries regarding public comment time limits for general visitors versus representatives of school-based organizations. An additional, out-of-cycle agenda item was proposed and debated: a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Officer Mark Brock, a law enforcement officer and assistant football coach.