Board Member Spotlight | District 9 – Barry Rachal
Barry Rachal is the longest-serving member of the Caddo Parish School Board, with 22 years of dedicated service to students, families, and educators across the district. His tenure reflects a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Why he serves:
“I approach education in many ways with the same mindset I have toward my faith. You never know when you will have the opportunity to touch someone’s life and change it forever. Education can turn a child’s life around, and I truly believe teachers change lives. I am a walking example of that. It takes just one incredible teacher to make a difference, and I know for certain we have incredible teachers throughout this district. I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a Board, and it is an honor to serve our teachers and the families of Caddo Parish as we work to provide the best opportunities and the best education for every student.”
Barry Rachal is the longest-serving member of the Caddo Parish School Board, with 22 years of dedicated service to students, families, and educators across the district. His tenure reflects a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Why he serves:
“I approach education in many ways with the same mindset I have toward my faith. You never know when you will have the opportunity to touch someone’s life and change it forever. Education can turn a child’s life around, and I truly believe teachers change lives. I am a walking example of that. It takes just one incredible teacher to make a difference, and I know for certain we have incredible teachers throughout this district. I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a Board, and it is an honor to serve our teachers and the families of Caddo Parish as we work to provide the best opportunities and the best education for every student.”
🚨 SCHOOL CLOSURE UPDATE 🚨
Caddo schools and sites will remain closed Thursday. While main roadways are improving, many neighborhood and rural roads remain icy, ice remains on school campuses, and some schools are addressing weather-related facility issues. Freezing fog is also expected overnight into Thursday morning.
In alignment with other North Louisiana school systems, we will remain closed out of an abundance of caution. Safety remains our priority.
Caddo schools and sites will remain closed Thursday. While main roadways are improving, many neighborhood and rural roads remain icy, ice remains on school campuses, and some schools are addressing weather-related facility issues. Freezing fog is also expected overnight into Thursday morning.
In alignment with other North Louisiana school systems, we will remain closed out of an abundance of caution. Safety remains our priority.
Board Member Spotlight | District 8 – Jeri Bowen
Jeri Bowen has served as the interim Board Member for District 8 since August 2025, continuing a career rooted in service to Northwest Louisiana.
She is the Executive Director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center, where she leads with a mission to provide critical support services and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and exploitation. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening and protecting the community she calls home.
Why she serves:
“I serve to help make the place where I live and raised my children a better community for those who are here now and for those to come. I love calling this community home and want the very best for every resident. I believe in the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated, and with that in mind, I think it’s important to give back to the community and hope others will do the same.”
Jeri Bowen has served as the interim Board Member for District 8 since August 2025, continuing a career rooted in service to Northwest Louisiana.
She is the Executive Director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center, where she leads with a mission to provide critical support services and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and exploitation. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening and protecting the community she calls home.
Why she serves:
“I serve to help make the place where I live and raised my children a better community for those who are here now and for those to come. I love calling this community home and want the very best for every resident. I believe in the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated, and with that in mind, I think it’s important to give back to the community and hope others will do the same.”
🚨 SCHOOL CLOSURE UPDATE 🚨
Caddo Schools will remain closed Wednesday, January 28. While temperatures rose above freezing today, many roads remain hazardous, and overnight refreezing is expected.
Out of an abundance of caution, all schools and district sites will remain closed. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through official channels. Please stay safe.
Caddo Schools will remain closed Wednesday, January 28. While temperatures rose above freezing today, many roads remain hazardous, and overnight refreezing is expected.
Out of an abundance of caution, all schools and district sites will remain closed. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through official channels. Please stay safe.
Board Member Spotlight | District 7 – Jerry Bowman Jr.
Jerry Bowman Jr. began serving District 7 on the Caddo Parish School Board in October 2024, continuing a long-standing commitment to public service in Shreveport and Caddo Parish.
He previously represented District G on the Shreveport City Council, where he served for eight years, and he carries forward a family legacy of service led by his mother, Joyce Bowman.
Why he serves:
“I inherited a lot from my mom, but a love for serving the community is at the top of that list. The shoes are big, and I don’t know that I’ll ever fill them to her level, but I do know it’s my responsibility to help the community I came from. I could have left for Texas or Atlanta, but I chose to stay because this community has so much to offer. I know what it’s like to grow up here, and I understand how important it is for kids to see strong role models. That’s why it matters to me to show up, serve, and give back every day.”
Jerry Bowman Jr. began serving District 7 on the Caddo Parish School Board in October 2024, continuing a long-standing commitment to public service in Shreveport and Caddo Parish.
He previously represented District G on the Shreveport City Council, where he served for eight years, and he carries forward a family legacy of service led by his mother, Joyce Bowman.
Why he serves:
“I inherited a lot from my mom, but a love for serving the community is at the top of that list. The shoes are big, and I don’t know that I’ll ever fill them to her level, but I do know it’s my responsibility to help the community I came from. I could have left for Texas or Atlanta, but I chose to stay because this community has so much to offer. I know what it’s like to grow up here, and I understand how important it is for kids to see strong role models. That’s why it matters to me to show up, serve, and give back every day.”
Board Member Spotlight | District 6 – Mary Trammel
Mary Trammel has served District 6 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2011, continuing a lifelong commitment to public education and community service.
Her career with Caddo Schools began in 1977, and she retired after 33.5 years of service, supporting the district in key leadership roles, including Administrative Assistant to two Superintendents and Communications Assistant. Her dedication to students and schools has continued well beyond her formal retirement.
Born in Cedar Grove as one of fifteen siblings, Mary’s deep roots in the community continue to shape her service.
Why she serves:
“I believe deeply in being the voice for children. The School Board has many responsibilities, and I know those responsibilities well: hiring, firing, and evaluating the superintendent; approving a budget; and developing policy. But beyond that, what matters most to me is advocating for the neighborhood I call home. For 49 years, I have served this community and loved it. I believe this is what I was destined to do. I have served with a dedicated heart and prayerfully worked to do what is right for the boys and girls. I am grateful for the trust the community has placed in me to allow me to serve.”
Mary Trammel has served District 6 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2011, continuing a lifelong commitment to public education and community service.
Her career with Caddo Schools began in 1977, and she retired after 33.5 years of service, supporting the district in key leadership roles, including Administrative Assistant to two Superintendents and Communications Assistant. Her dedication to students and schools has continued well beyond her formal retirement.
Born in Cedar Grove as one of fifteen siblings, Mary’s deep roots in the community continue to shape her service.
Why she serves:
“I believe deeply in being the voice for children. The School Board has many responsibilities, and I know those responsibilities well: hiring, firing, and evaluating the superintendent; approving a budget; and developing policy. But beyond that, what matters most to me is advocating for the neighborhood I call home. For 49 years, I have served this community and loved it. I believe this is what I was destined to do. I have served with a dedicated heart and prayerfully worked to do what is right for the boys and girls. I am grateful for the trust the community has placed in me to allow me to serve.”
🚨 SCHOOL CLOSURE NOTICE 🚨
Caddo schools and sites will be closed Monday and Tuesday due to severe winter weather. Widespread power outages, impassable roads and below-freezing temperatures make conditions unsafe for travel and operations.
We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates through official district channels. Please stay safe.
Caddo schools and sites will be closed Monday and Tuesday due to severe winter weather. Widespread power outages, impassable roads and below-freezing temperatures make conditions unsafe for travel and operations.
We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates through official district channels. Please stay safe.
Board Member Spotlight | District 5 – Dr. Bonita Douzart
Dr. Bonita Douzart has served District 5 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2015, bringing her experience of decades of commitment to public education.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Douzart has been a strong advocate for students, teachers, and parents alike, consistently focused on ensuring schools are supported, voices are heard, and decisions are made with the best interests of children and families.
Board Member Spotlight | District 4 – President Don Little
Don Little has served District 4 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2019 and currently serves as Board President. His service is rooted in a belief that education is central to the future of our community.
Why he serves:
“I initially came to the Board to ensure students have opportunities after high school beyond a single pathway. Preparing students for college is essential, but we also have an obligation to prepare them for lucrative careers and provide the resources needed for success. This role has allowed me to look at the core issues impacting our community and ask what we can do to change the trajectory of Shreveport and address the reasons we have seen somewhat of a mass exodus from Shreveport. Of all elected positions, I believe the School Board is the most important because it builds communities, creates foundations for families to put down roots, and keeps people engaged.”
Don Little has served District 4 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2019 and currently serves as Board President. His service is rooted in a belief that education is central to the future of our community.
Why he serves:
“I initially came to the Board to ensure students have opportunities after high school beyond a single pathway. Preparing students for college is essential, but we also have an obligation to prepare them for lucrative careers and provide the resources needed for success. This role has allowed me to look at the core issues impacting our community and ask what we can do to change the trajectory of Shreveport and address the reasons we have seen somewhat of a mass exodus from Shreveport. Of all elected positions, I believe the School Board is the most important because it builds communities, creates foundations for families to put down roots, and keeps people engaged.”
❄️ Winter Weather Update ❄️
Caddo Schools continues to work closely with our emergency preparedness partners, including the National Weather Service, as we monitor the latest forecast information.
Based on current conditions, school operations will continue as scheduled on Friday.
As a reminder:
• Athletics and field trips beginning Friday evening and through the weekend have been canceled or rescheduled
• Magnet testing originally scheduled for Saturday will be rescheduled, and families have been notified
We will continue to closely monitor conditions and share updates as needed. The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority.
Please continue to follow district communications for the latest information.
Today, we surprised our 2025-2026 Support Persons of the Year with visits from district leadership, family members, and members of the Caddo Parish School Board. These moments were filled with smiles, gratitude, and well-deserved recognition for staff members who go above and beyond for our students and schools every single day.
Congratulations to:
• Regina Knight, Riverside Elementary, Elementary School Support Person of the Year
• Monique Davenport, Linear-Northside Middle School, Middle School Support Person of the Year
• Mary Herrington, Northwood High School, High School Support Person of the Year
Their dedication, leadership, and heart for students truly represent Excellence. Every One. Every Day.
Read the full story from today's surprises here: https://www.caddoschools.org/article/2650698
Board Member Spotlight | District 3 – Dr. Terence Vinson
Dr. Terence Vinson has served District 3 on the Caddo Parish School Board since April 2020, bringing a deep commitment to service, equity, and opportunity for all students.
Why he serves:
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated, ‘We will not be remembered for what we do for ourselves, but by what we do for others.’ With that charge in my heart and at the forefront of my mind, I proudly serve on the Caddo Parish School Board because education is the foundation of opportunity, and it is our responsibility to ensure that foundation is strong for every student, in every neighborhood.”
Dr. Terence Vinson has served District 3 on the Caddo Parish School Board since April 2020, bringing a deep commitment to service, equity, and opportunity for all students.
Why he serves:
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated, ‘We will not be remembered for what we do for ourselves, but by what we do for others.’ With that charge in my heart and at the forefront of my mind, I proudly serve on the Caddo Parish School Board because education is the foundation of opportunity, and it is our responsibility to ensure that foundation is strong for every student, in every neighborhood.”
Board Member Spotlight | District 2 – Jasmine Green
Jasmine Green began her service on the Caddo Parish School Board in January 2011, and at the time of her election, she made history as the youngest elected official in the state of Louisiana. Her commitment to students, families, and the broader community has been evident throughout her tenure, including her most recent service as Board President in 2025.
Why she serves:
“I serve to be a voice for those who may not always be heard and to ensure every child in our district is supported as a whole person. I am especially passionate about the arts, and music in particular, because they help shape confident, creative, and well-rounded students. Every child deserves access to opportunities that allow them to discover their talents, express themselves, and thrive.”
Jasmine Green began her service on the Caddo Parish School Board in January 2011, and at the time of her election, she made history as the youngest elected official in the state of Louisiana. Her commitment to students, families, and the broader community has been evident throughout her tenure, including her most recent service as Board President in 2025.
Why she serves:
“I serve to be a voice for those who may not always be heard and to ensure every child in our district is supported as a whole person. I am especially passionate about the arts, and music in particular, because they help shape confident, creative, and well-rounded students. Every child deserves access to opportunities that allow them to discover their talents, express themselves, and thrive.”
❄️ Winter Weather Update ❄️
Caddo Parish Public Schools is closely monitoring a winter weather event expected to move into our area late Friday and continue through the weekend. District leaders have been in ongoing communication with the National Weather Service in Shreveport and are taking proactive steps to prepare our schools and facilities.
As part of this preparation:
• Athletic events and field trips scheduled from Friday evening through the weekend have been canceled or rescheduled
• Magnet testing originally scheduled for Saturday will be rescheduled, with families notified directly
• Facilities and custodial teams are securing campuses ahead of the anticipated weather
The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as needed.
Please stay weather aware and follow district communications for the latest information.
Caddo Parish Public Schools is closely monitoring a winter weather event expected to move into our area late Friday and continue through the weekend. District leaders have been in ongoing communication with the National Weather Service in Shreveport and are taking proactive steps to prepare our schools and facilities.
As part of this preparation:
• Athletic events and field trips scheduled from Friday evening through the weekend have been canceled or rescheduled
• Magnet testing originally scheduled for Saturday will be rescheduled, with families notified directly
• Facilities and custodial teams are securing campuses ahead of the anticipated weather
The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as needed.
Please stay weather aware and follow district communications for the latest information.
Board Member Spotlight | District 1 – Steve Umling
Steve Umling has proudly served District 1 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2023. His commitment to service is rooted in a deep belief that strong communities are built when people step up and take responsibility for making things better.
Why he serves:
“I believe everybody has a responsibility to step up and serve. For me, being on the School Board is about giving back, doing my part, and helping make a real difference.”
Thank you, Steve Umling, for your dedication, leadership, and service to Caddo Parish Schools.
Steve Umling has proudly served District 1 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2023. His commitment to service is rooted in a deep belief that strong communities are built when people step up and take responsibility for making things better.
Why he serves:
“I believe everybody has a responsibility to step up and serve. For me, being on the School Board is about giving back, doing my part, and helping make a real difference.”
Thank you, Steve Umling, for your dedication, leadership, and service to Caddo Parish Schools.
Tonight marks our first Board Meeting of the new year, and it also gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate January as Board Member Appreciation Month.
We are proud to serve alongside a dedicated group of Board Members who give their time, energy, and expertise in support of our students, staff, and community. Beginning today, we are excited to highlight each of our Board Members and the important role they play in advancing public education in Caddo Parish.
Thank you to our Board Members for your commitment, leadership, and service to our schools and community.
We are proud to serve alongside a dedicated group of Board Members who give their time, energy, and expertise in support of our students, staff, and community. Beginning today, we are excited to highlight each of our Board Members and the important role they play in advancing public education in Caddo Parish.
Thank you to our Board Members for your commitment, leadership, and service to our schools and community.
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A day to reflect on his enduring message of justice, unity, and service, and a reminder that each of us has a role in uplifting our communities through action and compassion.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Maya Trutschl, a senior at Caddo Parish Magnet High School, who has been named a 2026 Scholar in the Regeneron Science Talent Search and is the only honoree from Louisiana this year.
Maya’s research project, “Automated Prediction and Prevention of Pressure Injuries Using Machine Learning and Thermal Sensing: A Clinical Validation Study,” showcases innovation, real-world impact, and the power of student-led research.
Congratulations, Maya, on this outstanding achievement and for representing Caddo on a national stage.
Read more about her accomplishment here: https://www.caddoschools.org/article/2622420.
Maya’s research project, “Automated Prediction and Prevention of Pressure Injuries Using Machine Learning and Thermal Sensing: A Clinical Validation Study,” showcases innovation, real-world impact, and the power of student-led research.
Congratulations, Maya, on this outstanding achievement and for representing Caddo on a national stage.
Read more about her accomplishment here: https://www.caddoschools.org/article/2622420.
BIG NEWS! Caddo has received a bond rating upgrade from S&P Global, a significant milestone that reflects the district’s strong financial stewardship and long-term planning.
This upgrade means:
✔️ Saving taxpayer dollars
✔️ Lower interest costs on future bonds
✔️ More resources that can be directed to classrooms and student opportunities
We are proud of this progress and what it represents for our students, families, and community. Strong finances support strong schools.
Excellence. Every One. Every Day.
This upgrade means:
✔️ Saving taxpayer dollars
✔️ Lower interest costs on future bonds
✔️ More resources that can be directed to classrooms and student opportunities
We are proud of this progress and what it represents for our students, families, and community. Strong finances support strong schools.
Excellence. Every One. Every Day.
Congratulations to Our Regional Student of the Year Honorees!
Today, the Louisiana Department of Education announced that two outstanding Caddo Parish students are advancing to the regional level of the Student of the Year competition, and we could not be prouder.
Please join us in congratulating:
Sanil Thorat, Fairfield Elementary Magnet
Brexton Lopez, Captain Shreve High School
Their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence represent the very best of Caddo Parish Public Schools. We wish them continued success as they move forward in the competition.
Today, the Louisiana Department of Education announced that two outstanding Caddo Parish students are advancing to the regional level of the Student of the Year competition, and we could not be prouder.
Please join us in congratulating:
Sanil Thorat, Fairfield Elementary Magnet
Brexton Lopez, Captain Shreve High School
Their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence represent the very best of Caddo Parish Public Schools. We wish them continued success as they move forward in the competition.
