Mansfield, Louisiana — The DeSoto Parish School System is honored to announce that Ms. Anesha Ross, Principal of Mansfield High School, has been named one of twenty-four semi finalists for the 2026 Principal of the Year award by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Under Ms. Ross' leadership, Mansfield High School achieved its highest-ever School Performance Score (SPS) of 97.5 in the 2022-2023 school year. The school maintained its "A" rating with an improved SPS of 98.7 for 2023-2024, reflecting significant academic growth. Notably, SPS increased in five of the six core high school assessment areas, earning Mansfield High School recognition as a Top Gains School and recipient of the Opportunity Badge from LDOE.
“Being named a 2026 Principal of The Year Semifinalist is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Ms. Ross’ dedication, leadership, and impact on the Mansfield High School community,” said Mr. Brandon Burback, Director of Administration.
Superintendent Clay Corley praised Ms. Ross’ leadership and the positive changes she has fostered at Mansfield High School. "Ms. Ross’s leadership reflects our commitment to High Performance and our mission to make a difference in the lives of our students. Her dedication to academic excellence and developing a collaborative, student-centered culture has led to unprecedented gains at Mansfield High School. We are proud to celebrate her well-earned recognition as a semifinalist for Louisiana Principal of the Year."
Ms. Ross's journey within DeSoto Parish Schools is a testament to her dedication and passion for education. She was honored as the 2005-2006 DeSoto Parish Student of the Year and later as the 2013-2014 DeSoto Parish Teacher of the Year. Her career in education is defined by excellence in leadership, including key roles such as Career and Mentor Teacher at Mansfield Middle School (2010-2014), Master Teacher at Mansfield High School (2014-2016), and Assistant Principal at North DeSoto High School (2016-2020). In July 2020, she returned to Mansfield High School as Principal, where she continues to lead with a focus on academic achievement and positive school culture.
Beyond school leadership, Ms. Ross has played a crucial role in fostering student and teacher development. She facilitated Educators' Rising as Assistant Principal, guided the Upward Bound Trio program as Principal, and collaborated with Northwestern State University to support summer learning initiatives. Her dedication to supporting new educators is evident through her work as a Master Teacher, inducting new teachers into the DeSoto Parish school system.
“I am beyond humbled to receive this honor on behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of Mansfield High School,” said Ross. “They are so deserving. The hard work that takes place behind the scenes is now being seen and recognized publicly. There are no words to express how proud I am! It’s a wonderful time to be a Wolverine!”
All semi finalists and finalists will be honored at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 26, 2025. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.