BAKER — A mother, who asked to remain anonymous, says she learned more about her child’s school closure through social media than the school itself—and now, she says she’s scared to send her children to what she describes as “an abandoned, boarded-up building,” with just days’ of notice.
“It’s like a nightmare. It’s not even about education at this point,” she told UWK. “We’re just trying to figure out where to send our kids without putting them in danger.”
Parents at Impact Charter School in Baker say they were blindsided after finding out their school would be relocating students to an old building on Harding Street by Wednesday—just days after an eviction notice was reportedly rescinded.
From Courtroom to Chaos
Earlier this week, Dr. Chakesha Scott, the school’s controversial former CEO, issued an eviction notice to the school’s current leadership, claiming two months of unpaid rent. Despite her removal amid a state audit that accused her of diverting over $1.5 million in school funds for personal use—including luxury items and spa vacations—Scott still controls the campus through a nonprofit she runs, Friends of Impact Charter School.
The situation quickly unraveled. Though the eviction was reportedly rescinded, Interim Superintendent Dr. Michelle Clayton informed parents via email that the school would be relocating students to a new site regardless—an abandoned building that, allegedly, hasn’t been used in years.
“They had a board meeting yesterday,” the mother said. “Even though they admitted the eviction notice was no longer valid, the interim principal said they’re still moving because, in her words, ‘the landlord could change her mind at any moment’.”
A Building in Shambles
The “new” building, located on Harding Street in Baker, has sparked outrage among parents who say it’s unfit for children. According to the email, the building is the old Baker Heights School building.
“It’s run down. It has boards in the windows. It’s like… totally abandoned,” the mother claimed. “We passed by after leaving the school this morning and saw about 15 workers out there trying to fix it up. But I just don’t see how that building will be ready in four days. It’s in horrible condition.”
Parents were told via email that classes would go virtual on Monday and Tuesday while crews worked to make the building “student-ready” by Wednesday. For many working families, the virtual option isn’t realistic.
“They’re saying virtual learning is an option, but most of us work Monday through Friday. It’s not really an option,” the mother said. “So we’re basically being forced to send our kids to a building that’s not even suitable.”
Broken Trust
The mother expressed deep frustration with how the school communicated—or failed to communicate—throughout the crisis.
“We weren’t told anything. We found out online that the school was being evicted. That’s how all of this started. Then we tried calling the school for information, and they had nothing to say,” she said. “This is the first time we’re hearing anything directly from the school.”
According to the parent, questions still remain unanswered: Will the building have working bathrooms? Is the air conditioning functional? Has it passed any safety inspections?
A Pattern of Instability
This isn’t the first time the school has been engulfed in controversy. In February, a scathing report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office accused Dr. Scott of funneling millions from the school into personal accounts. The money was reportedly spent on home renovations, luxury cars, and high-end shopping sprees.
MORE FROM UWK: CEO of Impact Charter accused of using school funds to pay for extravagant lifestyle
Despite being ousted from her position, Scott’s role as CEO of the nonprofit that owns the school building gives her legal authority over the property. The decision to proceed with an eviction—even temporarily—has raised suspicions that the move may be retaliatory.
“This whole situation feels off,” the mother said. “And the people paying the price are our kids.”
Looking Ahead
An email obtained by UWK from Dr. Clayton outlines plans for the transition: virtual classes on Monday and Tuesday, followed by in-person classes at the new Harding Street site on Wednesday.
But parents remain skeptical.
“They keep saying it’ll be ready,” the mother said. “But I just don’t believe it.”
As of now, no official inspection reports have been shared with families. Parents say they plan to demand answers at the next board meeting.
UWK did reach out to Impact Charter for a response to this report. As of publication, no one has responded.
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