Arthur Circle School Elementary School was closed by the Caddo Parish School Board in 2020. The school was built in 1955 and additions were added in 1967 and 2003. The property comprises 12.7 acres. The school is a fixture in a well established Broadmoor neighborhood.
The Broadmoor Neighborhood Association (BNA) has actively communicated with Caddo School Superintendent Lamar Goree and Caddo School board members since the closure concerning the ultimate fate of the school complex.
A meeting tomorrow - Tues. at 6:30 pm at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church - will again address this issue.
School Board District 8 member Christine Tharpe will make a presentation on a multi-purpose service center to deal with truancy among youth from Caddo and surrounding parishes. This expansive plan envisions leasing the property to Volunteers for Youth Justice.
After three fights in two days last week at Southwood High School involving gangs , there should be concerns about youth that may be bussed into the school if it is converted into a truancy center. Property owners should also be concerned with the impact of such a center on property values.
Ken Lawler, a highly respected and successful developer, has offered a plan for the construction of 25 single family lots, public green space and commercial storage facility. Lawler expects to construct homes in the $300,000-$400,000 price range.
Lawler wants to purchase the property with the school. Any sale could include restrictions on use to encompass his development plans that would stabilize this area.
The BNA leadership is to be commended for continuing this important discussion. Hopefully Lawler will be allowed to make his pitch to this group as well. A good community turnout is expected as citizens acknowledge the importance of public education, even if no school age kids in their homes.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.