Voters residing in parts of DeSoto Parish participated in a November 18 election for two separate bond propositions. Districts 1 (Logansport) and 2 (North DeSoto) had questions on the ballot with proposals to modernize facilities, upgrade safety and security, and construct a new school to address rapid growth.
Voters in Logansport (District no. 1) approved a $23 million building bond proposal focused on the safety, security, and modernization of current facilities. Unofficial vote counts were 470 in favor and 430 against, with 900 total voters participating in the election.
Because the bond was approved, the plan can move forward to construct a central corridor with secure access points, provide updates to the stadium and gymnasium area, and add spaces that will eliminate the need for mobile classrooms and provide more effective and efficient spaces for programming.
The major renovation to the main concourse, known as Tiger Central will tie the buildings together in a modern and supportive environment that can be used by the community and create a sense of pride in the school. Funds will also be used to eliminate the need for mobile classrooms and improve safety, security, and preschool programming.
“This plan is really all about making necessary changes to our school facilities that will serve our students and provide safe and modern spaces for years to come,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “Our community really came together around our students and showed their Tiger pride.”
Voters in North DeSoto (District no. 2) rejected a $130 million building bond proposal focused on providing a modern learning environment with small class sizes, future-focused programming, and space to accommodate the anticipated growth in the area. Unofficial vote counts were 873 in favor and 1,781 against, with 2,654 total voters participating in the election.
Because the bond was rejected, schools in District 2 will continue to face challenges due to space. Additions made in 2014 at the upper elementary and middle schools are now full, and because of spacing concerns, the district will be unable to implement the small class sizes that are seen in other parts of the parish.
NDHS was built in 1980 when the district had 1,028 students, with additional facilities added in subsequent years to accommodate a growing population. The four North DeSoto schools are currently serving more than 2,700 students, and the projected enrollment for 2027 expects nearly 1,000 additional students. Current facilities will be unable to accommodate this type of growth, so the next step is exploring other options.
“We are certainly disappointed in the outcome, but there is a common goal in the community of wanting what is best for our students,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “As a public school system, we don’t turn students away and will continue to provide an amazing educational experience even with the challenges that our limited capacity in our facilities provides. We saw a lot of outdated and incorrect information being shared in the community, so we will continue our efforts to share the real story of our schools and the challenges we are facing.”
The Board will begin to work to review the reasons the plan was rejected and will work to develop another path forward to address the rapid growth in our community. Due to rising costs and projected inflation, the $130 million project would cost $140 million if started in 2026. Because of the need and scope of the plan, a proposal will be on a future ballot for voters to consider.
The DeSoto Parish School Board will continue to communicate and collaborate through the next steps in the process.