Bossier Schools names Central Park assistant principal, honors employees and students at Jan. 16 meeting

The Bossier Parish School Board on Jan. 16 confirmed a newly appointed assistant principal, presented multiple employee awards and recognized 74 students who earned perfect scores on LEAP assessments.

Andrea Spinney, assistant superintendent of administrators, introduced Rebecca Harvey as the new assistant principal at Central Park Elementary. Spinney noted Harvey is a Central Park alumna, holds a master’s degree from Louisiana Tech in teaching and educational leadership, has served as an instructional coach at Central Park and previously worked there as a teacher and substitute. "Please help me welcome Miss Rebecca Harvey," Spinney said; Harvey addressed the board, thanking district leaders who supported her hire.

The board recognized Summer Cooper, secretary at Platt Elementary, as a December Gold Star employee for her daily work supporting students, families and school operations. Barksdale Federal Credit Union presented the award and noted nominations came from faculty, parents and prior award winners.

Transportation employee Marcus McElveen was commended in a presentation from Representative Dennis Bamberg (video message delivered in absentia). The transcript records a written commendation from Representative Bamberg honoring McElveen’s service and work ethic; local officials presented the state-level commendation at the meeting. The board noted McElveen’s persistence in becoming a driver and his role training other drivers.

Superintendent Jason Rowland was honored as one of the National School Public Relations Association’s 2024–25 "Superintendents to Watch," an annual list recognizing 25 superintendents with fewer than five years’ experience who demonstrate leadership and communication. The district said Rowland will be recognized in July in Washington, D.C.

Lisa Burns, supervisor of accountability and assessment, presented certificates and medals to 74 middle- and high-school students who earned perfect scores in one or more LEAP content areas (English I, English II, Algebra I, Geometry). The transcript lists many named students by school and subject; meeting organizers presented certificates and medals during the session.

The board also recognized six schools for having no workers’ compensation claims in the 2023–24 academic year and thanked LUBA workers’ compensation loss-control specialist Brian Ricketts for the partnership.