BAKER, La. (Louisiana First) -- At a community town hall meeting, Helix Community Schools officials laid out the plans and benefits of Baker School System becoming a charter school district. Preston Castille, CEO and President of Helix Community Schools, showcased a presentation at the meeting ab out all the benefits merging with the charter school system will bring to the community. After the flood in 2016 flooded Baker High School, they had to rebuild. They've only been fully operating for a year. Castille said with the tragedy of having to rebuild, this will also provide more resources. "This partnership allows us to take what was really a tragedy in terms of the natural disaster build upon it from the struggles that happened as a result of that disaster and now build something even better than before," he said. Baker High School and Parkridge Middle School are the two schools in the district that will join the charter school system. JT Stroder, Superintendent of the City of Baker School System, said some of their concerns at first were how this would look for current teachers, if they lost benefits, and more. He said this an adjustment but will be a pathway to provide better opportunities for the schools. "If we continue to do things the way that we've done them, we're going to get the same results. So, we're really looking to try to like change things up and Baker and bring in a different type of education, a different system," said Stroder. Parents and teachers also raised concerns and questions on if some would lose their jobs or if their kids may lose the current activities they have. They also raised concerns on how care for special needs students will operate. Parent Myra Harris's daughter currently dances at Baker High. She said after getting clarity and a better understanding of what this merging will do, she's optimistic about the changes. "Just understanding that, hey, the city of Baker School system is not going anywhere, but they are doing something very unique. I'm excited to see what it brings for the students, for the staff, for the community," said Harris. Latest News Baker School District holds community meeting, discusses charter school merging Knock Knock Children’s Museum in Baton Rouge gets funding for Healthy Eating program Baton Rouge advocate starts Mental Health Monday to uplift BRCC students Watch: Elephants at San Diego park form protective circle during earthquake Cam Ward leads group former hidden gems turned NFL prospects The boards will still operate the same for both districts. Stroder said the Baker School System could become a fully charter district by July 1. They will have a five-year plan, which afterwards they can decide if they want to stay in the charter school district or not. ...read more read less