The Bossier Parish School Board held its regular session on September 4, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, highlighting achievements and recognitions within the district. The meeting commenced with a celebration of excellence, as the board recognized the district's Teachers of the Year. Miss Kristen Hackleman was honored as the Elementary Teacher of the Year, Mr. Michael Shelton as the Middle School Principal of the Year, and Mr. Emmett Antoine as the High School New Teacher of the Year. Although the latter two were unable to attend, their contributions were acknowledged with gratitude.
Following the recognitions, Superintendent Roland expressed appreciation for the hard work of the new teachers, emphasizing their value to Bossier Schools. The meeting then transitioned to a presentation by Miss Sonia Bales, the communications and media officer, who provided an overview of the district's accomplishments during the 2024-2025 school year.
Bales highlighted the district's rich history, noting that Bossier Parish has been educating children since 1877, starting from a modest two-room schoolhouse to now operating 35 campuses with over 22,000 students, including a significant number of military-connected families. She shared impressive statistics, including that the senior class of 2025 was offered more than $24 million in scholarships and awards, and that students earned thousands of dual enrollment hours and industry certifications.
The presentation also emphasized the district's commitment to military families, with 28 schools designated as Purple Star Schools, the highest in Louisiana. Bales noted the district's achievements in athletics, nutrition, and technology, including a successful child nutrition program that provided free meals to students in eligible schools, saving families approximately $12 million.
In a move towards transparency, Bales announced that every household in Bossier Parish would receive a postcard with a QR code linking to a comprehensive stakeholder report detailing the district's progress and initiatives. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the board's commitment to investing in the educational outcomes of Bossier Parish students, ensuring they receive the support needed for their academic, social, and emotional development.