Jeri Bowen chosen and sworn in as interim District 8 Caddo Parish School Board member

The Caddo Parish School Board announced Jeri Bowen as the interim board member for District 8 after interviewing three candidates at a special session.

Bowen introduced herself as executive director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center and said she has resided in District 8 for nearly 25 years and served previously as an interim member during the COVID period. In her opening remarks she said, “I am Caddo,” and described district oversight duties such as setting policy, approving budgets, appointing and overseeing the superintendent, and ensuring compliance with state and federal law.

Two other candidates gave opening statements. Cheyanna Newman said she has lived in District 8 for three years, is a mother of three local students and has 15 years’ experience in title and abstracting work; she highlighted policy-analysis skills and said she would advocate for student mental-health resources, including school-based counseling and expanded social-emotional learning. Emma Shepherd, a retired educator and longtime resident, suggested exploring repurposing closed school buildings for community uses, saying such steps could create new student opportunities.

The chair explained voting rules: each board member would cast a single 'yes' vote for a preferred candidate; the candidate receiving a majority of the quorum would be elected. After the vote the chair announced that Jeri Bowen would be the interim District 8 member. Bowen then came forward and recited the oath affirming support for the U.S. and state constitutions and her commitment to impartially discharge board duties.

The transcript records the announcement and the oath but does not show individual board vote counts or a roll-call tally. The board thanked the other applicants for applying and then moved toward adjournment.