The Bossier Parish School Board on June 12 adopted a resolution declaring a forthcoming vacancy in the District 7 seat after Board President Creighton Cochran’s scheduled resignation and set a schedule for a special election and interim appointment procedures.

Superintendent Jason Rowland told the board the action follows board policy ABCA (unexpired term fulfillment) and guidance from the Louisiana Secretary of State. “The board may interview candidates, and the first candidate to obtain a simple majority of votes of a quorum of the school board shall be named to fill the vacant seat,” Rowland said, describing the timeline set by state guidance.

The resolution, moved by Board Member Falting and seconded by Board Member Smith, calls a primary election for April 18, 2026, and a general election for May 30, 2026. Qualifying was set for Jan. 14–16, 2026. The board recorded an 11–0 vote to adopt the resolution, with one member absent.

The board also approved an advertisement and selection process to solicit resumes starting June 30 and running through July 16, with resumes to be submitted to the central office. Rowland said the board plans to clear the July 17 regular meeting agenda so members can interview candidates that evening, take votes, and commission an appointee; the oath of office would be administered August 7. Rowland said the timeline keeps the board within the statutory limit to fill the vacancy.

Board Member Bertrand moved, and Board Member Smith seconded, approval of the advertised selection process; the motion passed. Earlier in the meeting the board voted to add the resolution (agenda item 3.16) after staff said paperwork had arrived that day.

Discussion at the meeting emphasized that the board would receive resumes, may interview candidates, and vote on an interim appointee to serve until the special election. Rowland said the board has 20 days from the end of Cochran’s term (his term ends 06/30/2025) to fill the seat; the board’s July 17 meeting was scheduled to meet that requirement.

The resolution cites Louisiana Revised Statutes §18:602 (as read into the record) and board policy ABCA; Rowland said the Secretary of State advised the board on allowable dates and procedures. The board did not set any additional requirements for applicants during the June 12 meeting.

The board will accept resumes and schedule interviews as described; further procedural details (for example, any interview format or scoring) were not specified at the June 12 meeting.