SHREVEPORT, La. - More than 25 schools in Caddo Parish will remain on virtual instruction Tuesday as ongoing water outages continue to impact much of Shreveport, Superintendent Keith Burton said Monday.
Burton said the district has been monitoring the situation since early morning and determined that severe water pressure issues make it unsafe to reopen affected campuses.
“We’ve monitored the situation since very early this morning,” Burton said. “Unfortunately, the water outages are severely impacting over 25 of our schools, and we’re unable to open at this time.”
The district has been working closely with the City of Shreveport to receive real-time updates. Burton praised Mayor Tom Arceneaux and city officials for maintaining consistent communication as the crisis developed over the weekend.
Burton said he was in the mayor’s office early Monday morning to review the latest water pressure readings before making a decision about school operations.
While Tuesday’s plan is confirmed, district leaders have not yet determined whether schools will remain virtual for the rest of the week. Burton said officials hope to avoid making daily late-afternoon decisions that leave parents uncertain.
“We know we can’t continue holding parents hostage each day waiting until 3, 4 or 5 o’clock to know,” Burton said.
The district will evaluate updated water pressure data Tuesday before deciding on the remainder of the week.
Students will access assignments through the district’s Canvas learning management system. Teachers will post instructions and assignments online, and students can submit work digitally. Burton said families without computers may use smartphones to access coursework.
If schools remain closed Wednesday, campuses will open to distribute learning packets focused on critical material ahead of upcoming testing, Burton said.
The virtual shift also protects the district’s scheduled spring break next week. Burton said families and staff will not be asked to alter previously made plans.
“Spring break is spring break,” Burton said. “There’s no way we’re going to ask parents or staff members to cancel their plans.”
Burton noted the district’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic better prepared schools to transition quickly to remote instruction, citing improved technology, training and access to devices.
District officials said they will continue coordinating with city leaders and provide updates to families as conditions change.