A patron in the Morehouse Parish (La.) district has sued in federal court to stop the school board from closing two of its schools.
The Bastrop Daily Enterprise reports that Charles Bradford argued in the suit that the school closures and forced staff reductions will have a negative impact on the community. He contends the closures will cause classroom crowding and safety problems.
“It will cause mental suffering from our parents and the safety of our children, and cause school scores to plummet,” the suit asserts.
At a meeting on Dec. 11, the board voted to close H. V. Adams and Pine Grove schools. Pre-K students would be moved to the Magnet School, elementary grades to Delta and Morehouse Junior High, and the junior high students to Bastrop High School.
“The plaintiff prays that the court order all the defendants named herein to form a committee of businessmen, clergymen, parents, community leaders, political leaders, and educators to meet to create a proposed plan that will be in the best interest of all the children in the community,” the suit reads.
As of now the School Board is continuing with its plan.
U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty has denied a request for a temporary restraining order to block the board's action.
