The Webster Parish School Board announced two candidates vying to become the district’s next superintendent and named its Students of the Year and Principals of the Year during its regular meeting on Monday, November 2.
The district received two applications for the superintendent position, from Bewanichi Sheppard and Becky Wilson. A special called meeting has been scheduled for Monday, November 16, at 4PM to interview the candidates. The meeting will be open to the public, which is welcome to attend and observe the interviews.
The search follows Superintendent Johnny Rowland’s announcement in September that he plans to retire.
During Monday’s meeting, the district announced its Students of the Year: Laurinn Rowe, a fifth-grader at Richardson Elementary School; Ada Murphy, an eighth-grader at Lakeside Junior/Senior High School; and Reese Miller, a senior at Minden High School.
The Principals of the Year are Daniel Lee of Central Elementary, Gwen Bradford of Webster Junior High School, and Ben Bower of Minden High School. The selection process for Teachers of the Year is still underway.
Rowland praised the students selected for the honors, saying judges were extremely impressed by how well-rounded they were and how well they performed during the essay and interview portions of the selection process.
The meeting itself was brief, with board members approving minutes from the October 12 finance and regular board meetings, along with several maintenance and facility improvement expenditures funded through district-specific accounts.
During his superintendent’s remarks, Rowland took the opportunity to reflect on the district’s accomplishments and the work of its employees as he approaches retirement.
Referring to comments made during the current School Board election cycle, Rowland said he believes some criticism of the district comes from incomplete information about its programs and operations.
He emphasized that much of the work performed by school employees goes unnoticed, particularly the assistance provided to families experiencing hardships.
According to Rowland, district employees frequently respond to emergencies involving students and their families, providing financial assistance, clothing, supplies, and other support following tragedies such as house fires or deaths in the family.
He also reflected on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, when approximately one-third of the district’s students participated in virtual learning for an extended period. Rowland acknowledged that the long-term effects of that disruption, particularly on younger students, may not yet be fully understood.
Despite those challenges, he said the district has continued expanding educational opportunities.
Among the accomplishments he highlighted were the growth of arts and music programs, partnerships with colleges and technical schools, and expanded career and technical education opportunities.
Rowland pointed to the district’s partnerships with Louisiana Tech University, Northwestern State University, Southern University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Bossier Parish Community College, and Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College.
He particularly emphasized the opportunities available through technical education, noting that students can earn credentials and prepare for well-paying careers without the expense of a traditional four-year degree.
Rowland also highlighted programs in culinary arts, certified nursing assistant training, and pre-educator pathways designed to encourage local students to pursue careers in education.
He said the district remains financially stable, with its general fund and maintenance accounts in good condition, allowing the School Board to continue investing in its facilities.
While acknowledging that improvements are still needed, including additional support for employees, Rowland expressed pride in the district’s progress and encouraged incoming board members and the next superintendent to build on that foundation.
He said he hopes the next administration will continue improving the school system and indicated that he remains willing to assist during the transition.
The School Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 7, at 6 PM at the district offices at 1442 Sheppard Street in Minden.