ST. LANDRY PARISH — OPELOUSAS, La. — A judge has dismissed a temporary restraining order that temporarily halted the closure of Krotz Springs Elementary School, clearing the way for the St. Landry Parish School Board to move forward with its district-wide consolidation plan.
The Town of Krotz Springs received the TRO last week.
The TRO temporarily stopped the board from proceeding to close the school; transfer students and teachers; taking any actions designed to close the school or taking any action that is "inconsistent with maintaining the status quo." The judge's order this afternoon now allows the school system to move forward.
In their petition, the town argued that the board did not follow their own district administrative rule regarding school attendance, which is required by state school policy. The petition also criticized a board discussion that was held at a retreat last month, saying citizens didn't think they could go.
"The public was of the opinion that this was a closed meeting since it was stated as a retreat in the newspapers," the petition stated.
During the hearing, School Board Attorney Courtney Joiner argued the district complied with Louisiana's Open Meetings Law by providing proper public notice before board meetings where the school closures were discussed.
"That was not a violation of the Open Meetings Law," Joiner said. "What the law requires is to give notice. That notice was given on multiple occasions. Hundreds of people attended multiple meetings, had the opportunity to make public comment and submit counterproposals. This was part of the democratic process."Joiner said the court also recognized Louisiana law gives school boards the authority to determine how many schools operate within their districts.
School Board Superintendent Milton Batiste said the ruling is not something the district celebrates.
"Any time you look at school closures, I don't look at it as a victory," Batiste said. "It's a necessary step right now for our district to move forward financially. It's not just one school—it consists of six to seven different schools. Any time you're closing a school is not a victory; it's just a necessary step."Batiste said the district estimates the consolidation plan could save between $18 million and $20 million, though the exact amount will depend on final student enrollment.
He also said the temporary restraining order forced the district to pause its transition plans.
"With the initial injunction that was in place, we had to pause on everything," Batiste said. "When we go back on Monday, we'll start getting the ball rolling internally. We have some thoughts, but we couldn't actually move forward on any of those until today."
"The court made reference to a long-standing statute that says school boards have the exclusive legal right to determine the number of schools," Joiner said. "When you look at closing schools, adding schools or reconfiguring schools, that authority is within the exclusive purview of the board."Although the legal challenge has ended, emotions remain high in Krotz Springs, where families spent weeks advocating to keep their elementary school open.
Jason Snyder, a parent with two children enrolled at Krotz Springs Elementary, said he was heartbroken by the judge's decision.
"I'm upset with it," Snyder said. "I have two boys, a third grader and a first grader, going there. I've lived there my whole life. My dad went there. I went there. I was hoping my kids would continue their education there."Snyder said his family is now considering several options, including homeschooling.
"We've explored our options," he said. "Now that we know this is final, that's probably what we're leaning toward."
Despite the court's ruling, Batiste acknowledged the community's efforts to save the school.
"It's a phenomenal school, a great community and a supportive community," Batiste said. "They're doing the right thing by advocating for their school."With the court proceedings now concluded, the St. Landry Parish School Board is expected to continue planning student transitions and staffing changes ahead of the upcoming school year.
In Louisiana, public bodies can have a retreat, but they must post the agenda and it is an open meeting. Boards can only close doors in extremely narrow circumstances, and discussion of closing a school would not be one of them. KATC attended the meeting, as did dozens of citizens. You can read our story about it here.
