SCHOOL OPERATIONS UPDATE
Following continued repair efforts, Blanchard Water System officials are reporting water service has been restored at the following schools, allowing them to reopen for normal operations on Thursday:
✅ Blanchard Elementary
✅ Mooringsport Elementary
✅ Northwood High School
✅ Donnie Bickham Middle
🚨 Herndon Magnet will remain on virtual instruction on Thursday as water restoration work continues at that campus. Teachers at Herndon Magnet will communicate directly with families using normal school communication channels.
Thank you to our utility partners and to our families for your continued patience and understanding.
Following continued repair efforts, Blanchard Water System officials are reporting water service has been restored at the following schools, allowing them to reopen for normal operations on Thursday:
✅ Blanchard Elementary
✅ Mooringsport Elementary
✅ Northwood High School
✅ Donnie Bickham Middle
🚨 Herndon Magnet will remain on virtual instruction on Thursday as water restoration work continues at that campus. Teachers at Herndon Magnet will communicate directly with families using normal school communication channels.
Thank you to our utility partners and to our families for your continued patience and understanding.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE | VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION
Due to continued uncertainty with water flow and pressure in the Blanchard area, the following schools will move to virtual instruction on Wednesday:
• Blanchard Elementary
• Donnie Bickham Middle
• Mooringsport Elementary
• Herndon Magnet
• Northwood High School
For students in grades K–8, teachers will communicate directly with families through the school’s normal communication channels. High school students should log in to Canvas for any activities to be completed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Due to continued uncertainty with water flow and pressure in the Blanchard area, the following schools will move to virtual instruction on Wednesday:
• Blanchard Elementary
• Donnie Bickham Middle
• Mooringsport Elementary
• Herndon Magnet
• Northwood High School
For students in grades K–8, teachers will communicate directly with families through the school’s normal communication channels. High school students should log in to Canvas for any activities to be completed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Pre-K starts here, and the future starts now.
Pre-K applications for the 2026–2027 school year are officially underway in Caddo.
High-quality early childhood education builds the foundation for lifelong learning by supporting early literacy, social skills, and confidence from the very start. Applying early helps families explore the best options for their child and secure placement in a program that fits their needs.
Families can learn more about available Pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, and Type 3 child care options and apply online now at caddosmartstart.com.
📚 Strong starts matter.
📝 Apply early.
👶 Give your child the best possible beginning.
Pre-K applications for the 2026–2027 school year are officially underway in Caddo.
High-quality early childhood education builds the foundation for lifelong learning by supporting early literacy, social skills, and confidence from the very start. Applying early helps families explore the best options for their child and secure placement in a program that fits their needs.
Families can learn more about available Pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, and Type 3 child care options and apply online now at caddosmartstart.com.
📚 Strong starts matter.
📝 Apply early.
👶 Give your child the best possible beginning.
🚨 SCHOOLS CLOSED TUESDAY 🚨
Due to continued water service interruptions impacting the Blanchard community, the following schools will remain closed on Tuesday:
• Blanchard Elementary
• Donnie Bickham Middle
• Mooringsport Elementary
• Herndon Magnet
• Northwood High School
K–8 students may continue using:
• Zearn (math)
• Lexia (reading)
High school students should log in to Canvas for updates from their teachers.
Students can access these tools through ClassLink: https://login.classlink.com/my/caddosd
If closures are required on Wednesday again, teachers will share learning activities through their normal communication methods. Thank you for your patience and continued partnership as we work through these utility issues.
Due to continued water service interruptions impacting the Blanchard community, the following schools will remain closed on Tuesday:
• Blanchard Elementary
• Donnie Bickham Middle
• Mooringsport Elementary
• Herndon Magnet
• Northwood High School
K–8 students may continue using:
• Zearn (math)
• Lexia (reading)
High school students should log in to Canvas for updates from their teachers.
Students can access these tools through ClassLink: https://login.classlink.com/my/caddosd
If closures are required on Wednesday again, teachers will share learning activities through their normal communication methods. Thank you for your patience and continued partnership as we work through these utility issues.
🚨 School Closure Update 🚨
After continued review of the latest information related to water pressure issues, the following schools will be closed on Monday, February 2:
• Blanchard Elementary School
• Donnie Bickham Middle School
• Northwood High School
• Herndon Magnet School
• Mooringsport Elementary School
We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as additional information becomes available. Families and staff should continue to check official district communication channels for the latest information.
After continued review of the latest information related to water pressure issues, the following schools will be closed on Monday, February 2:
• Blanchard Elementary School
• Donnie Bickham Middle School
• Northwood High School
• Herndon Magnet School
• Mooringsport Elementary School
We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as additional information becomes available. Families and staff should continue to check official district communication channels for the latest information.
🚨 School Closure Update 🚨
Due to water pressure issues impacting the Blanchard community, the following schools will be closed on Monday, Feb. 2:
• Blanchard Elementary
• Donnie Bickham Middle
• Northwood High
We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as they become available.
Due to water pressure issues impacting the Blanchard community, the following schools will be closed on Monday, Feb. 2:
• Blanchard Elementary
• Donnie Bickham Middle
• Northwood High
We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as they become available.
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our nation, our communities, and our schools.
Throughout the month, we celebrate history, culture, and voices that continue to inspire excellence, leadership, and opportunity for every student.
We are proud to recognize Black history not only this month, but every day, through education, understanding, and respect.
Throughout the month, we celebrate history, culture, and voices that continue to inspire excellence, leadership, and opportunity for every student.
We are proud to recognize Black history not only this month, but every day, through education, understanding, and respect.
Board Member Spotlight | District 12 – Dottie Bell
Dottie Bell began her service on the Caddo Parish School Board on January 1, 2007, and with 19 years of service, she holds the second-longest tenure on the Board. She is widely known for her deep love for the our students, often referred to as her “sweet babies.”
Why she serves:
“Several years ago, Bishop Caldwell told me I have the gift of help, and I believe that’s my calling. I love helping the babies, the children, and really all people. Folks come to me because they need help, and I feel it’s my purpose to listen and to do what I can to get them what they need. Education and the babies are where I’m supposed to be. There’s no greater feeling than being able to turn a child’s life around and make it better. If I can help, then I know I’m serving my purpose.”
Dottie Bell began her service on the Caddo Parish School Board on January 1, 2007, and with 19 years of service, she holds the second-longest tenure on the Board. She is widely known for her deep love for the our students, often referred to as her “sweet babies.”
Why she serves:
“Several years ago, Bishop Caldwell told me I have the gift of help, and I believe that’s my calling. I love helping the babies, the children, and really all people. Folks come to me because they need help, and I feel it’s my purpose to listen and to do what I can to get them what they need. Education and the babies are where I’m supposed to be. There’s no greater feeling than being able to turn a child’s life around and make it better. If I can help, then I know I’m serving my purpose.”
Board Member Spotlight | District 11 – Jessica Yeates
Jessica Yeates began serving District 11 on the Caddo Parish School Board on January 1, 2023, and most recently served as Board President in 2024 and Vice President in 2025. She is deeply involved in nonprofit work that supports children and families, a commitment that shapes her service on the Board.
Why she serves:
“I came to the School Board first and foremost as a parent, knowing that the voices of kids needed to be represented by someone with a vested interest. I also believe the public deserves a Board Member who stays accessible to parents and families that want to understand what’s happening in the district and how decisions affect their children. I try to constantly advocate for kids and keep them at center of what we do.”
Jessica Yeates began serving District 11 on the Caddo Parish School Board on January 1, 2023, and most recently served as Board President in 2024 and Vice President in 2025. She is deeply involved in nonprofit work that supports children and families, a commitment that shapes her service on the Board.
Why she serves:
“I came to the School Board first and foremost as a parent, knowing that the voices of kids needed to be represented by someone with a vested interest. I also believe the public deserves a Board Member who stays accessible to parents and families that want to understand what’s happening in the district and how decisions affect their children. I try to constantly advocate for kids and keep them at center of what we do.”
SEE YOU MONDAY!
Caddo schools will reopen on Monday thanks to the nonstop efforts of our custodians, maintenance teams, operations staff, transportation teams, and contractors who worked around the clock to repair facilities and remove icy conditions from campuses.
We are grateful for their dedication and can’t wait to welcome students back!
Caddo schools will reopen on Monday thanks to the nonstop efforts of our custodians, maintenance teams, operations staff, transportation teams, and contractors who worked around the clock to repair facilities and remove icy conditions from campuses.
We are grateful for their dedication and can’t wait to welcome students back!
Board Member Spotlight | District 10 – Katie McLain
Katie McLain began serving District 10 on the Caddo Parish School Board on January 1, 2023, bringing a heart for service and a strong commitment to families and students.
Why she serves:
"I felt like God told me to do it and I followed Him. Being on the Board has been extremely rewarding, especially being able to help families. They come to me with a concern or an issue and I'm able to get them the help they need. Being able to make a difference in those moments is what matters most to me, and it’s why this work is so meaningful.”
Katie McLain began serving District 10 on the Caddo Parish School Board on January 1, 2023, bringing a heart for service and a strong commitment to families and students.
Why she serves:
"I felt like God told me to do it and I followed Him. Being on the Board has been extremely rewarding, especially being able to help families. They come to me with a concern or an issue and I'm able to get them the help they need. Being able to make a difference in those moments is what matters most to me, and it’s why this work is so meaningful.”
📢 FRIDAY OPERATIONS UPDATE
Caddo Schools will not hold classes for students on Friday as we continue recovery efforts following this week’s winter weather.
Principals, assistant principals, instructional coordinators, and all 12-month district employees, including custodial and maintenance staff, will be on site to continue repairs, remove ice, and prepare campuses for reopening and for another round of frigid temperatures expected this weekend.
Across the district, teams are addressing heating issues at 8 schools, burst or leaking pipes at 12 schools, and ice on campuses parishwide. While progress has been made, safety remains our priority.
Additional updates will be shared as assessments continue. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work to safely welcome students back.
Board Member Spotlight | District 9 – Barry Rachal
Barry Rachal is the longest-serving member of the Caddo Parish School Board, with 22 years of dedicated service to students, families, and educators across the district. His tenure reflects a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Why he serves:
“I approach education in many ways with the same mindset I have toward my faith. You never know when you will have the opportunity to touch someone’s life and change it forever. Education can turn a child’s life around, and I truly believe teachers change lives. I am a walking example of that. It takes just one incredible teacher to make a difference, and I know for certain we have incredible teachers throughout this district. I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a Board, and it is an honor to serve our teachers and the families of Caddo Parish as we work to provide the best opportunities and the best education for every student.”
Barry Rachal is the longest-serving member of the Caddo Parish School Board, with 22 years of dedicated service to students, families, and educators across the district. His tenure reflects a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Why he serves:
“I approach education in many ways with the same mindset I have toward my faith. You never know when you will have the opportunity to touch someone’s life and change it forever. Education can turn a child’s life around, and I truly believe teachers change lives. I am a walking example of that. It takes just one incredible teacher to make a difference, and I know for certain we have incredible teachers throughout this district. I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a Board, and it is an honor to serve our teachers and the families of Caddo Parish as we work to provide the best opportunities and the best education for every student.”
🚨 SCHOOL CLOSURE UPDATE 🚨
Caddo schools and sites will remain closed Thursday. While main roadways are improving, many neighborhood and rural roads remain icy, ice remains on school campuses, and some schools are addressing weather-related facility issues. Freezing fog is also expected overnight into Thursday morning.
In alignment with other North Louisiana school systems, we will remain closed out of an abundance of caution. Safety remains our priority.
Caddo schools and sites will remain closed Thursday. While main roadways are improving, many neighborhood and rural roads remain icy, ice remains on school campuses, and some schools are addressing weather-related facility issues. Freezing fog is also expected overnight into Thursday morning.
In alignment with other North Louisiana school systems, we will remain closed out of an abundance of caution. Safety remains our priority.
Board Member Spotlight | District 8 – Jeri Bowen
Jeri Bowen has served as the interim Board Member for District 8 since August 2025, continuing a career rooted in service to Northwest Louisiana.
She is the Executive Director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center, where she leads with a mission to provide critical support services and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and exploitation. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening and protecting the community she calls home.
Why she serves:
“I serve to help make the place where I live and raised my children a better community for those who are here now and for those to come. I love calling this community home and want the very best for every resident. I believe in the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated, and with that in mind, I think it’s important to give back to the community and hope others will do the same.”
Jeri Bowen has served as the interim Board Member for District 8 since August 2025, continuing a career rooted in service to Northwest Louisiana.
She is the Executive Director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center, where she leads with a mission to provide critical support services and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and exploitation. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening and protecting the community she calls home.
Why she serves:
“I serve to help make the place where I live and raised my children a better community for those who are here now and for those to come. I love calling this community home and want the very best for every resident. I believe in the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated, and with that in mind, I think it’s important to give back to the community and hope others will do the same.”
🚨 SCHOOL CLOSURE UPDATE 🚨
Caddo Schools will remain closed Wednesday, January 28. While temperatures rose above freezing today, many roads remain hazardous, and overnight refreezing is expected.
Out of an abundance of caution, all schools and district sites will remain closed. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through official channels. Please stay safe.
Caddo Schools will remain closed Wednesday, January 28. While temperatures rose above freezing today, many roads remain hazardous, and overnight refreezing is expected.
Out of an abundance of caution, all schools and district sites will remain closed. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through official channels. Please stay safe.
Board Member Spotlight | District 7 – Jerry Bowman Jr.
Jerry Bowman Jr. began serving District 7 on the Caddo Parish School Board in October 2024, continuing a long-standing commitment to public service in Shreveport and Caddo Parish.
He previously represented District G on the Shreveport City Council, where he served for eight years, and he carries forward a family legacy of service led by his mother, Joyce Bowman.
Why he serves:
“I inherited a lot from my mom, but a love for serving the community is at the top of that list. The shoes are big, and I don’t know that I’ll ever fill them to her level, but I do know it’s my responsibility to help the community I came from. I could have left for Texas or Atlanta, but I chose to stay because this community has so much to offer. I know what it’s like to grow up here, and I understand how important it is for kids to see strong role models. That’s why it matters to me to show up, serve, and give back every day.”
Jerry Bowman Jr. began serving District 7 on the Caddo Parish School Board in October 2024, continuing a long-standing commitment to public service in Shreveport and Caddo Parish.
He previously represented District G on the Shreveport City Council, where he served for eight years, and he carries forward a family legacy of service led by his mother, Joyce Bowman.
Why he serves:
“I inherited a lot from my mom, but a love for serving the community is at the top of that list. The shoes are big, and I don’t know that I’ll ever fill them to her level, but I do know it’s my responsibility to help the community I came from. I could have left for Texas or Atlanta, but I chose to stay because this community has so much to offer. I know what it’s like to grow up here, and I understand how important it is for kids to see strong role models. That’s why it matters to me to show up, serve, and give back every day.”
Board Member Spotlight | District 6 – Mary Trammel
Mary Trammel has served District 6 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2011, continuing a lifelong commitment to public education and community service.
Her career with Caddo Schools began in 1977, and she retired after 33.5 years of service, supporting the district in key leadership roles, including Administrative Assistant to two Superintendents and Communications Assistant. Her dedication to students and schools has continued well beyond her formal retirement.
Born in Cedar Grove as one of fifteen siblings, Mary’s deep roots in the community continue to shape her service.
Why she serves:
“I believe deeply in being the voice for children. The School Board has many responsibilities, and I know those responsibilities well: hiring, firing, and evaluating the superintendent; approving a budget; and developing policy. But beyond that, what matters most to me is advocating for the neighborhood I call home. For 49 years, I have served this community and loved it. I believe this is what I was destined to do. I have served with a dedicated heart and prayerfully worked to do what is right for the boys and girls. I am grateful for the trust the community has placed in me to allow me to serve.”
Mary Trammel has served District 6 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2011, continuing a lifelong commitment to public education and community service.
Her career with Caddo Schools began in 1977, and she retired after 33.5 years of service, supporting the district in key leadership roles, including Administrative Assistant to two Superintendents and Communications Assistant. Her dedication to students and schools has continued well beyond her formal retirement.
Born in Cedar Grove as one of fifteen siblings, Mary’s deep roots in the community continue to shape her service.
Why she serves:
“I believe deeply in being the voice for children. The School Board has many responsibilities, and I know those responsibilities well: hiring, firing, and evaluating the superintendent; approving a budget; and developing policy. But beyond that, what matters most to me is advocating for the neighborhood I call home. For 49 years, I have served this community and loved it. I believe this is what I was destined to do. I have served with a dedicated heart and prayerfully worked to do what is right for the boys and girls. I am grateful for the trust the community has placed in me to allow me to serve.”
🚨 SCHOOL CLOSURE NOTICE 🚨
Caddo schools and sites will be closed Monday and Tuesday due to severe winter weather. Widespread power outages, impassable roads and below-freezing temperatures make conditions unsafe for travel and operations.
We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates through official district channels. Please stay safe.
Caddo schools and sites will be closed Monday and Tuesday due to severe winter weather. Widespread power outages, impassable roads and below-freezing temperatures make conditions unsafe for travel and operations.
We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates through official district channels. Please stay safe.
Board Member Spotlight | District 5 – Dr. Bonita Douzart
Dr. Bonita Douzart has served District 5 on the Caddo Parish School Board since January 2015, bringing her experience of decades of commitment to public education.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Douzart has been a strong advocate for students, teachers, and parents alike, consistently focused on ensuring schools are supported, voices are heard, and decisions are made with the best interests of children and families.
