LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) has received the final recommendations from CSG, a group hired to streamline the school district.
On Wednesday afternoon, LPSS released a series of proposed recommendations aimed at optimizing educational resources across the parish.
Although these recommendations have yet to receive official approval, they offer a preview of significant changes that could reshape the local school landscape. Here's an in-depth look at each proposal, along with potential impacts on students, families, and communities.
The LPSS recommends closing Acadian Middle School and rezoning its students to other schools.
If this proposal is approved, students attending Acadian Middle who live in the Carencro High School feeder zone would be transferred to Carencro Middle School or Paul Breaux Middle School starting in the 2025-26 school year. This change could reduce overcrowding and optimize resource allocation, though it may require students and families to adjust to new school environments.
LPSS proposes merging Alice N. Boucher, Dr. Raphael A. Baranco, and J.W. Faulk Elementary Schools into two consolidated schools, with the addition of an ACE program at Alice Boucher Elementary.
This consolidation could streamline resources, reduce administrative costs, and enhance educational opportunities. The ACE program (Academic and Career Exploration) at Boucher Elementary would provide students with specialized learning options, potentially elevating academic experiences and attracting families seeking tailored educational programs.
The recommendation includes closing Duson Elementary and rezoning its students to other nearby schools.
Under this plan, students from Duson Elementary would be transferred to Charles Burke Elementary, Prairie Elementary, and Ridge Elementary. LPSS has expressed interest in collaborating with the City of Duson to repurpose the Duson Elementary facility for community benefit, which could lead to new local resources or services for residents.
LPSS intends to expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programming in the Youngsville area, creating a K-8 STEM pathway across Ernest Gallet, Green T. Lindon, and Youngsville Middle Schools.
This initiative would introduce STEM learning at Gallet and Lindon Elementary Schools to align with programming at Youngsville Middle School, allowing for a cohesive K-8 STEM experience. By keeping fifth graders at Lindon and Gallet and potentially incorporating students from Katharine Drexel Elementary, LPSS aims to establish a robust STEM-focused academic pathway that prepares students for future careers in technology and science.
LPSS proposes closing Lafayette Middle School and converting the building into an elementary school.
If implemented, this change would shift Lafayette Middle students to nearby schools, including Acadian, Edgar Martin, Scott, and L.J. Alleman Middle Schools. The existing Lafayette Middle School facility would become Lafayette Elementary School, addressing the need for additional elementary school spaces in the area.
A multi-phase construction project is proposed to replace Northside High School and Paul Breaux Middle School with new campuses at the current Northside High site.
The project would first build a new Paul Breaux Middle School on the Northside campus, followed by the construction of a new Northside High School facility. This phased approach would allow current Paul Breaux students to remain on-site until the new building is complete, minimizing disruption and providing upgraded facilities designed to enhance student learning.
LPSS recommends closing S.J. Montgomery Elementary and rezoning its students to Lafayette Elementary, Alice Boucher, and Woodvale Elementary Schools.
In addition to the school closure, specialized programs would be relocated: the Hearing Impaired Program would move to Broadmoor Elementary, and the ELL (English Language Learner) Newcomer Program would transfer to Carencro-Bob Lilly. These adjustments aim to centralize resources and better serve students with specific educational needs.
The proposal suggests closing K-5 grades at Katharine Drexel Elementary and converting it into a pre-kindergarten-only campus.
Under this plan, K-5 students from Katharine Drexel would be rezoned to Billeaud and Gallet Elementary Schools, while the campus would be dedicated solely to pre-kindergarten classes. This shift supports early childhood education by creating a dedicated pre-K facility, which could enhance learning outcomes for the youngest students in Lafayette Parish.
LPSS proposes closing O. Comeaux High School and rezoning its students to nearby high schools.
Comeaux High students would be redistributed to Acadiana High, Lafayette High, and Southside High. Additionally, E.J. Sam Accelerated School would be relocated to the Comeaux High building, transforming it into a career center with programs like the Performing Arts Magnet (moving to Lafayette High) and NJROTC (moving to Acadiana High).
LPSS plans to expand Arts and STEM programs in several schools across the district.
Broussard Middle, Gallet Elementary, Lindon Elementary, Middlebrook Elementary, and Youngsville Middle are expected to benefit from expanded Arts and STEM programming starting in the 2025-26 school year. This expansion reflects growing demand from families and aligns with LPSS's goal of offering well-rounded educational experiences.
The school district aims to adjust admissions criteria for magnet programs to increase accessibility for local families.
To better align with community needs, LPSS proposes reserving 25% of available seats in magnet programs for students from designated priority areas. This change could improve equity by giving more students from underserved neighborhoods access to specialized programs, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.
To implement these changes, LPSS anticipates significant rezoning and student relocations. Schools such as Carencro Middle, Edgar Martin Middle, and Ridge Elementary could see increased enrollment as students from closed or repurposed schools are transferred. Additionally, the relocation of programs like NJROTC, ELL Newcomer, and Hearing Impaired aims to better serve students across the district, creating a more efficient distribution of resources.
Some schools, including Carencro High, Live Oak Elementary, and Westside Elementary, are not impacted by the current recommendations. These schools will continue operations without any significant changes, ensuring stability for students and families in those areas.
It's essential to note that these are recommendations only. The LPSS board has not yet adopted these proposals, and they will be subject to further review and public input before any final decisions are made. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in discussions as LPSS moves forward with these potential changes.
The proposed LPSS optimization plan could significantly reshape the educational landscape of Lafayette Parish. While the goal is to improve resource allocation, reduce overcrowding, and enhance educational programs, the changes would require adjustments from students, families, and faculty alike.
Community input will be crucial as the LPSS board evaluates these recommendations. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving plan, and be sure to participate in community meetings to share your voice in the decision-making process.