The Caddo Parish School Board today voted to appoint Jeri Bowen as the interim District 8 representative, filling the vacancy created by the recent resignation of former Board member Christine Tharpe.
Bowen was unanimously confirmed by the Board and will serve until a special election is held on April 18, 2026. Immediately following Tuesday’s vote, she was sworn in by Board General Counsel Reginald Abrams.
This marks the second time Bowen has stepped in to serve her community on the school board. In 2020, she was appointed as the interim District 8 representative following the departure of then-member Denee Locke.
A resident of District 8 for the past 25 years, Bowen has deep roots not only in her community but in Caddo Parish. She is a proud graduate of Southwood High School and credits Caddo Schools with providing a strong educational foundation for her two children, both Caddo graduates. Professionally, she has dedicated the last nine years to serving families as Executive Director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center, where she leads efforts to support victims and strengthen community safety.
“Education matters,” Bowen said during remarks to the Board. “It is not only one of the largest parts of our community, it is the most important.”
Looking ahead to her time on the Board, Bowen pledged to work collaboratively with fellow members and district leaders to ensure strong outcomes for all students.
“I’m here to do the right thing not just for District 8 but for all of Caddo Parish,” she added.
The qualifying period for candidates seeking the District 8 seat in the April 2026 special election will be held January 14–16, 2026.