Caddo Superintendent Keith Burton is proud to announce Jana Panos as the next principal of C.E. Byrd High School, continuing a proud tradition of leadership at one of the district’s most historic campuses.
Panos will transition into the role this spring as current principal Jerry Badgley completes his final year leading the school.
“Thank you to the many students, families, alumni, staff members and community partners who took the time to share their feedback throughout this process,” Burton said. “C.E. Byrd High School holds a special place in the heart of this community, and that passion for the school was clear in the thoughtful input we received. Jana Panos is a proven instructional leader who understands Byrd’s proud traditions and the expectations that come with leading such a historic campus. She brings both great pride in the Yellow Jacket legacy and a strong vision for the future. I am confident she will continue building on Byrd’s tradition of excellence.”
A graduate of C.E. Byrd High School, Panos returns to lead the campus that helped shape her own educational journey. Her appointment continues more than a century of Byrd serving students in Caddo while preserving the culture and traditions that have defined the school’s legacy.
“As Byrd leans into its second century of existence, I am honored to serve as the principal of the place that shaped me into the person I am today,” Panos said. “This school represents excellence, pride and the Yellow Jacket spirit. I look forward to continuing the traditions that make Byrd special while ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Panos currently serves as assistant principal of instruction at C.E. Byrd, a role she has held since 2024. Her career in education began in 2011 at Byrd, where she taught Algebra I and physical science in a temporary building on campus. She quickly earned a reputation for her ability to strengthen instruction and help students at all learning levels grow and succeed.
Badgley said even then, he knew there was something special about Panos.
“I still remember her coming in as a first-year teacher in that temporary building, teaching Algebra I and physical science,” he said. “Even then, she was so good at meeting every student where they were and helping them grow.”
Panos has been widely recognized for her excellence in the classroom and her commitment to students. In 2015, she was named the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics Outstanding High School Mathematics Teacher. She has also been named C.E. Byrd’s Teacher of the Year twice and, in 2022, was recognized as the Caddo Parish High School Teacher of the Year.
Beyond the classroom, Panos has remained deeply involved in improving education on the local and state levels, including serving on panels focused on improving efforts to recruit and retain high-quality educators. Back at Byrd, she also previously sponsored the Top Jackets student organization and coached junior varsity girls’ soccer.
Panos earned a bachelor’s degree in math and science education from Texas A&M University, graduating summa cum laude. She later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Louisiana Tech University.
Badgley said Panos is uniquely prepared to lead Byrd into its next chapter, and he has every confidence she will make her own mark at the historic campus.
“This will be the smoothest transition we could have imagined for our students, teachers, parents and alumni,” Badgley said. “She embraces every new challenge and has never shied away from what is new and the opportunity to do better for kids. To have someone who understands this school, its culture, history and what makes so many people love it is special. I know she will carry on the legacy and continue to grow it.”