Schools Improve Southside Schools Desperate Needs

Allocate tax money where it's needed most, especially as southside schools grapple with innovative techniques and a one-size-fits-all mentality. The Monroe City School system acknowledges the greater needs of its low socioeconomic schools but falls short in providing essential resources. The problems these schools face are enormous, yet the public only hears about the system's dedication to providing opportunities without a clear plan of action. The public demands school accountability, not the lip service received for the last 50 years. Tax money meant for children needs to reach those in the most need. As board members of the Monroe City Schools District prepare to find a new superintendent, there is some good news to report regarding schools' performance in the city. A report from the Louisiana Department of Education, announced by the school board, shows significant improvement in five schools: Cypress Point Elementary, J.S. Clark Magnet Elementary, Sallie Humble Elementary, Lexington Elementary, and Neville High School. Additional positive news from Baton Rouge reveals three schools progressing to the next letter grade on the scale: Carroll Junior High School, Sallie Humble Elementary School, and Lexington Elementary School.

According to White, 11 schools improved, with nine gaining over 2 SPS points and four of those nine gaining more than five points—Martin Luther King Junior High School, Carroll Junior High School, Sallie Humble Elementary School, and Lexington Elementary School. Northside schools appear to continue performing well, as the report's results indicate. It's also encouraging to note Carroll Junior High made the cut, but more needs to be done. The board released a statement stating, "Monroe City Schools are dedicated to providing opportunities for all students to succeed." The release indicates the system is "moving" in the right direction. According to the state report, school performance exceeds pre-pandemic levels following two years of growth. Meeting each student's individual needs is a challenge but is crucial to prevent more students from slipping through the cracks, especially on the southside. The need for high-quality teachers in every classroom can't be stressed enough, as they are the frontline, best suited to understand each student's needs. However, having qualified teachers is only useful with adequate resources. Schools don't necessarily perform well solely because of good teachers; resources and programs specifically for hard-to-reach students are also needed for a level playing field. The report suggests that hard work pays off, offering hope for a more balanced, equitable educational landscape on the southside in the future.