MANSFIELD, LA –During a special session on Thursday, November 21, 2024, the DeSoto Parish School Board appointed Phillip Palmer to fill the District 6 seat, previously held by Coday Johnston. A lifelong resident of the Stanley community, Mr. Palmer brings a deep-rooted commitment to education and community development.
A 2000 graduate of Stanley High School, Mr. Palmer has spent the past 23 years working in the oil field and currently serves as a field superintendent for Valence Drilling Fluids. He is married to his wife of 17 years, Sarah Palmer, and they have three children: Riley, 16; Zane, 12; and Kinley, 9.
Education and service run deep in Mr. Palmer's family. His grandfather, Doug Green, served as Principal of Stanley High School and later as Director of Personnel for the DeSoto Parish School Board in the 1990s. His mother, Karen Green, dedicated her career to teaching math at Stanley High School.
In addition to his professional career, Mr. Palmer is an active volunteer sports coach, fostering teamwork and leadership in his community’s youth.
“I strongly believe our schools are the beating hearts of our communities,” said Mr. Palmer. “They are places where children grow into critical thinkers and responsible, productive members of the communities we love. I want to play a small part in ensuring the quality of education not only in District 6 but across the entire parish of DeSoto.”
Superintendent Clay Corley expressed his enthusiasm for Mr. Palmer’s appointment, stating, “Phillip Palmer exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication that defines our district. His deep ties to the Stanley community, his family’s legacy in education, and his passion for supporting our youth make him a tremendous asset to the School Board. We look forward to working with him to ensure our schools continue to thrive.”
Mr. Palmer will be sworn in at the December 5th School Board meeting, where he will officially begin his tenure as the District 6 representative.
The DeSoto Parish School Board welcomes Mr. Palmer’s leadership and dedication to upholding the district’s commitment to excellence in education.