The Lincoln Parish School Board has approved a significant restructuring of its elementary schools, a decision that will transform them into PreK-5th grade neighborhood institutions. The plan passed with a 7-3 vote on Tuesday following a lengthy public comment session where many residents voiced opposition.
This change, scheduled to take effect for the 2026-27 academic year, aims to decentralize early childhood education and create a more integrated elementary school experience across the Ruston district.
Key Takeaways
- The Lincoln Parish School Board passed a school reconfiguration plan with a 7-3 vote.
- All Ruston elementary schools will become PreK through 5th grade neighborhood schools.
- The changes will be implemented starting in the 2026-27 school year.
- The decision was made despite significant public opposition expressed during the board meeting.
- The Lincoln Parish Early Childhood Center will be repurposed as the new school board office.
A Decisive Vote on School Structure
The Lincoln Parish School Board finalized a major shift in its educational landscape on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. By a vote of seven to three, the board approved a proposal to reconfigure four elementary schools: Hillcrest, Glen View, Cypress Springs, and Ruston Elementary.
Under the new plan, these schools will transition to a PreK-5th grade model, establishing them as comprehensive neighborhood schools. This marks a departure from the current system, where preschool education is centralized.
The Vote Breakdown
- In Favor (7): Hunter Smith (District 7), Donna Doss (District 4), Joe Mitcham (District 6), Danny Hancock (District 5), Debbie Abram (District 12), Gregg Phillips (District 8), George Mack, Jr. (District 11).
- Opposed (3): Dr. Danielle Williams (District 1), David Ferguson (District 2), Lynda Henderson (District 9).
- Absent (2): Otha Anders (District 10), Clark Canterbury (District 3).
The majority vote secured the plan's passage, setting a clear timeline for implementation over the next two years.
Changes to Early Childhood Education
A central component of the approved plan involves the integration of PreK programs directly into the elementary schools. Currently, these programs are housed at the Lincoln Parish Early Childhood Center. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, all PreK teachers will be embedded within the four elementary school campuses.
This move is designed to create a seamless educational path for students from their earliest school years. Proponents suggest this will foster a stronger sense of community and provide a more consistent learning environment for young children as they progress through the grades.
With the relocation of its educational programs, the Lincoln Parish Early Childhood Center is slated for a new purpose. The building will become the new headquarters for the school board office. Additionally, it will serve as the central hub for the parish's school bus fleet, which is currently housed at Ruston Junior High.
Community Voices Concerns
The board's decision came after nearly an hour of public comments, with the majority of speakers expressing opposition to the proposal. Many residents and parents urged the board to delay the vote to allow for more time to consider the plan's implications.
Concerns raised by the community often centered on the potential disruption to students and staff, the logistics of the transition, and whether the new model would truly benefit the children. Despite these appeals for a postponement, the board proceeded with the vote.
Understanding School Reconfiguration
School district reconfiguration is a process boards undertake to address various challenges, including shifting enrollment numbers, budget constraints, or a desire to change educational models. The goal is often to optimize resources and improve student outcomes. In Lincoln Parish, the shift to a neighborhood school model with integrated PreK is a strategic change aimed at restructuring how early education is delivered.
The three dissenting votes from board members Dr. Danielle Williams, David Ferguson, and Lynda Henderson reflected some of the apprehension present in the community. However, the seven affirmative votes demonstrated a clear majority in favor of moving forward with the restructuring.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the plan now officially approved, the Lincoln Parish School District has a clear mandate to begin the extensive planning required for the transition. The 2026-27 school year has been set as the target for full implementation.
Over the next 18 to 24 months, district administrators will need to address a wide range of logistical challenges. These include:
- Developing new bus routes to accommodate the neighborhood school model.
- Preparing classrooms and facilities at the four elementary schools to welcome PreK students.
- Managing the transition of teachers and staff to their new assignments.
- Renovating the Early Childhood Center to suit its new role as an administrative hub.
The board has signaled that this is a definitive step toward modernizing the district's structure. The coming months will be critical in ensuring a smooth and effective transition for students, parents, and educators across Lincoln Parish.