Focus Group Report Accepted by CPSB

During its regular meeting on June 19, 2007, the CPSB accepted a report prepared by a board appointed focus group. Among the recommendations contained in the report, is to make J.S. Clark a primary feeder school to Booker T. Washington. It should be noted that acceptance of the report does not mean the board will ever take action on same. However, friends of BTW should track developments in this area very closely to insure that the board does in fact correct what is clearly an inequity.

Please remember it was in September, 2004 that District 3 board member Willie Burton first raised the issue of a feeder school for BTW. In response, the staff in fact redrew district lines and Mr. Burton introduced a motion to implement the new alignment in February, 2006.

However, there was a local uproar about the public not having had sufficient notice of the proposed changes. Mr. Burton pulled his motion in order to be fair and to make certain that everyone had appropriate notice. It was this issue that lead to the appointment of the focus group. The group was to look at broader district issues to include the BTW feeder matter.

A front page news story in The Times on June 19, 2007, said enrollment at BTW was 426 as of February, 2007. The enrollment was 443 when Burton first raised the issue (2004-05) and it fell to 432 (2005-2006). If the 426 figure is correct that takes us to (2006-07).

Obviously as the issue drags on, the situation becomes increasingly more serious for BTW.

BTW Enrollment History

Left click on image to enlarge.

BTW Alumni Foundation blog

On May 24, 2007 the following news release ran in the Shreveport Sun. "The Booker T. Washington Alumni Foundation announces the creation of its new blog at http://btwalums.blogspot.com. The blog will be used to keep alumni family and supporters up to date regarding critical issues involving their Alma mater. Feedback and suggestions can be made by attaching comments to a given post.

Information can also be e-mailed to marram9133@mypacks.net.
The foundation says it is taking advantage of technology to "improve communications with the BTW family."

Feeder School for BTW

Although the proximity of J.S. Clark to Booker T. Washington would suggest otherwise, BTW does not receive its appropriate share of students coming from JSC. On June 5, 2007 a school board appointed focus group made a recommendation, among others, that JSC be designated the primary feeder to BTW. The board will consider accepting the groups report at its next meeting on June 19, 2007. Thereafter, it is important to follow board action on this item.

Interested alums and friends should follow this issue closely. BTW enrollment has plunged from 962 during the 95-96 school term to 432 during the 05-06 term. While the feeder school situation may not be the sole cause of this decline, it is nevertheless a contributing factor and it is one that should be promptly addressed.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical topic.