(The Center Square) — The Caddo Parish School Board is considering two significant proposals that include a revision to the 2025-2026 school calendar to enhance parent-teacher communication and professional development opportunities and a new oil, gas, and mineral lease agreement for district-owned land.
The board discussed a proposal aimed at improving parent-teacher engagement by designating half-days for conferences after each grading period.
Under the revised plan, students would be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 16, Dec. 16, and March 5 to allow for parent-teacher conferences extending into the evening until 7:00 or 7:30 p.m.
This adjustment is intended to provide greater accessibility for working parents who may struggle to attend meetings during regular school hours.
The following days — Oct. 17, Dec. 17, and March 6 — staff would participate in morning professional development sessions, with the afternoon designated as time off in recognition of their extended work hours the previous evening. These days would be marked as virtual learning days to ensure instructional time is maintained.
Board members emphasized the importance of making parents aware of the change.
“I just want to make sure the parents see this, make it public to the media, everybody, let them know that [they’re] going to be able to do this, where parents can come up and talk to the teacher,” board member Dottie Bell said.
The board also addressed concerns about how virtual learning would be implemented, clarifying that students would not be required to participate in live instruction but would complete assignments through the district’s online program.
“This proposal is a win-win for students, parents, and educators,” Superintendant Keith Burton said. “It enhances family engagement, supports teacher work-life balance, and minimizes instructional disruption.”
The proposal is expected to go to a vote in the coming weeks.
In addition to the calendar revision, the board reviewed a proposal from Cypress Energy Partners, LLC for a mineral lease agreement involving approximately 15.98 acres of land in Caddo Parish, located in Section 33 and/or Theoretical Section 34 of Township 17 North, Range 13 West.
The proposal, submitted on February 3, 2025, offers a minimum bonus of $3,000 per acre and a 25% royalty to the School Board.
The lease would have a primary term of three years, with provisions for further production if certain conditions are met. Notably, the agreement stipulates that no deductions would be made from the School Board’s royalty payments, except for severance taxes.
The board has already moved to consider the proposal by passing a resolution authorizing its President or designated representative to grant the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board the authority to act on its behalf. The resolution also provides for advertising and accepting bids for the lease while ensuring the final agreement includes terms regarding lease duration, production, and responsibilities of both parties.
If approved, the necessary documents will be submitted to the Office of Mineral Resources for further processing.
The board is expected to make final decisions on both matters in the coming weeks.