SLPSS, KS Move Forward
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
The St. Landry Parish School System and the Town of Krotz Springs are proceeding in opposite directions with their educational visions following a decision issued early Friday afternoon by a State District Court judge.
For parish school officials, a ruling by Judge Charles Cravins allows the District to close Krotz Springs Elementary, repurpose the campus into a virtual learning academy and transport pre-kindergarten through fourth grade students previously educated there to Port Barre elementary.
Krotz Springs town officials say they are continuing with a different educational plan, which at this point includes establishing a state-governed charter school for grades p-k through sixth grade which could open in two years.
Following a 20-minute meeting in his chambers with attorneys from both sides, Cravins listened to brief opening arguments and then issued an open court decision which removed a temporary restraining order and dismissed a preliminary injunction filed by the town July 1.
Cravins explained that he had no choice in providing his ruling, since Louisiana state law indicates that school districts have the authority to close schools and determine the number of campuses that it oversees.
Appeals courts have upheld all challenges in similar matters, Cravins said, making the court filing by the town a moot issue.
Board attorney Courtney Joiner said the restraining order and injunction which were later modified by Cravins, hinged on the plaintiffs’ allegation that the Board had not properly complied with the state opening meetings law in holding a June 3 retreat in which the school cost savings plan was introduced.
Joiner said he planned to contest that allegation if the Friday court hearing had proceeded further.
Cravins said in his remarks that there is “no easy solution” when it comes to closing schools located within communities like Krotz Springs, Washington and Melville.
“It hurts (the communities) to close these schools, but (the district) is in a tough situation here,” Cravins said.
Cravins pointed out that the decision by the district to close six campuses by August has created discord parish wide.
“Some of that animosity has not been righteous animosity,” Cravins said.
Cravins accepted into court records the 915 petitions that town attorney Verona Wiltz said were signed in opposition to the Krotz Springs closure.
Krotz Springs Mayor Carroll Snyder said after the hearing that town officials have begun exploring with state school officials the possibility of creating a charter campus either by purchasing the current school building or purchasing property and building a new school.
Superintendent Milton Batiste III said that the District thinks if can save as much as $18-$20 million in 2026-27 by eliminating overall operational costs for campuses that also include Northeast and Grolee elementaries, moving Creswell Elementary students to Opelousas Elementary on Market Street, Central Middle School in Eunice and Grand Prairie and Grand Coteau elementary schools.
