The Bossier Parish School Board voted to appoint Rafe Jordan to fill the District 7 vacancy on July 17. The board read ballots into the minutes and announced unanimous support; Jordan will serve until a special election in April and may stand in the regular November 2026 election.

Why it matters: The appointment fills a seat vacated by former president Creighton Cochran and gives District 7 representation immediately while allowing voters to decide the long-term holder of the seat in upcoming elections.

Board President Eric Newman opened the board’s interview process and called candidate Rafe Jordan forward for a two- to three-minute opening statement. Jordan described himself as a longtime Bossier resident, a local business owner and someone with experience on local boards and committees. “Call me up here; let’s just let’s just make something happen,” Jordan said during his closing remarks.

Board members asked Jordan about his motivation for serving, how he would communicate with constituents and whether his business has current contracts with the school system. Jordan said his company has sold products and services to the district in the past and that he would make any business relationships “fully transparent.”

After questions from board members, the board conducted a written ballot procedure “per policy” and read votes into the minutes, with multiple members saying aloud “vote for Mr. Jordan.” The board announced Jordan’s welcome to the Bossier Parish School Board and said he will be sworn in at the Aug. 7 meeting; his paperwork will reflect an effective date of July 17.

Administrative details: Superintendent Jason Rowland explained the appointment’s timing: Jordan will serve through the April special election and, if he chooses, may run in November 2026. The board asked Jordan to step out during the board’s private tally and then invited him back to announce the result.

Next steps: The board scheduled Jordan’s swearing-in for Aug. 7 and encouraged family attendance. The board and Jordan did not settle any committee assignments or initial tasks at the July 17 session.