Logansport Schools Strain Under Haitian Migrant Surge

In the small town of Logansport, Indiana, population around 18, 000, things have changed dramatically. The town has seen a significant influx of Haitian migrants, swelling the county's population by perhaps 30%. The mayor estimates that about 2, 000 to 3, 000 Haitian migrants have moved to the town, and the impact is especially visible in the public schools. The number of Haitian students enrolled has skyrocketed, from just 14 in 2021 to nearly 207 in 2024. This has put a strain on teachers and resources, causing some local kids to feel neglected. Honors student Cheyanne Baker, 16, even dropped out to pursue online education, feeling that teachers were too busy with the migrant students to teach effectively. The town simply doesn't have the resources to absorb such a large influx of students who may need extra support. It's a tough situation for everyone involved. But the real tragedy is that the local kids are being shortchanged because teachers are focused on the needs of the migrant students who are behind in their education. It's not fair that an entire generation of Logansport kids is being sacrificed. Parents are rightfully upset, but the left might label them as racist for complaining. The fact is, Logansport parents just want what's best for their kids, and they're not getting it under the current circumstances. Tyson Foods, located in the town, has been accused of replacing local employees with migrant workers to cut costs. This adds another layer to the challenges Logansport is facing. The town is stuck between trying to integrate newcomers and ensuring their own kids get the education they deserve. With so many changes happening at once, it's no wonder the community is feeling the strain.