By Paige Gurgainers
Concerned parents, alumni and community members gathered Thursday evening, June 4, to discuss the future of J.L. Jones Elementary School following the Webster Parish School Board’s decision to repurpose the campus beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
The meeting, organized by the Minden chapter of the NAACP, provided residents an opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the transition, which will result in students being reassigned to other campuses across Minden.
Under the current plan, second-grade students who attend J.L. Jones will move to J.A. Phillips Elementary, while third-grade students will be reassigned to E.S. Richardson Elementary. School officials say the change is designed to better align grade levels and improve student performance under Louisiana’s revised school accountability system.
The decision has sparked strong reactions throughout the community, particularly because of the school’s historic significance.
J.L. Jones traces its roots to the era of segregated education and has long been recognized as one of Webster Parish’s historically Black schools. For generations of Minden families, the campus represents more than just a school building. It stands as a symbol of educational opportunity, community pride and local history.
During Thursday’s meeting, many residents expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of community involvement before the decision was made. Several attendees questioned whether enough opportunities were provided for parents and stakeholders to offer input before the school board moved forward with its plans.
School officials have maintained that the move is intended to benefit students academically. Webster Parish Superintendent Johnny Rowland has said recent changes to Louisiana’s accountability model place schools with limited grade configurations at a disadvantage because they no longer receive the same growth measurements that previously contributed to school performance scores. According to district leaders, restructuring grade levels across Minden schools will allow students to be grouped in a way that better fits the state’s evaluation system.
District leaders have also outlined potential future uses for the J.L. Jones facility. Preliminary plans include housing arts and theater programs, early childhood services, instructional support staff and community activity space, though final details remain subject to school board approval.
Despite those plans, many community members remain concerned about preserving the school’s legacy and ensuring students continue to receive the support they need during the transition. Questions regarding transportation, academic outcomes and the long-term future of the campus were among the topics discussed during Thursday’s gathering.
NAACP leaders encouraged residents to remain engaged in the process by attending future school board meetings and continuing to ask questions as plans move forward.
While opinions remain divided, one thing was clear from Thursday night’s discussion: J.L. Jones Elementary occupies a special place in the history of Minden, and many residents want to ensure that legacy is honored as the district moves into its next chapter.