Superintendent Wants to Make Significant Changes

In a November 1, 2008 Times story by reporter Ashley Northington, Caddo superintendent Gerald Dawkins apparently wants to shake things up significantly at the area's 11 low performing schools. BTW is among the 11 schools.

A major feature of the changes being considered is to declare "...all jobs in the parish's 11 academically unacceptable schools be vacated and the schools be reconfigured."

Apparently positions would then be open at each of the campuses for any and all applicants.

Additionally, it is reported that BTW would be reconfigured into BTW New Technology High School.

Core academic subjects would continue to be taught, however, with more focus. There are apparently no plans for admission requirements

Based on initial reported comments from selected school board members, it appears Mr. Dawkins has board support for the recommended changes.

Of course, these changes would also require state board approval as well.

Although these steps do appear radical indeed, they nevertheless pretty much follow the menu of choices available to a district under the state accountability law. In fact, the requirements for schools in SI 4 appear to include all or some of the following:

1. replace school staff;
2. implement new curriculum;
3. decrease management authority;
4. contract an outside expert;
5. extend the school year or school day;
6. restructure.