NEW ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS
DeSoto Parish Schools is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments effective for the 2020-2021 school year.
“I am very excited to have each of these leaders on our DeSoto Parish Schools team,” said Clay Corley, Superintendent of Schools. “These highly motivated, student-centered educators care deeply about our children, their families and our staff. They bring a variety of experiences and are committed to a collaborative team approach in support of learning experiences that benefit everyone.”
Principal Mansfield High School
Mrs. Anesha Ross has been named principal of Mansfield High School, effective July 1. Mrs. Ross is currently an assistant principal at North DeSoto High School, where she has served for four years. Previously, she was a master teacher at Mansfield High School. Prior to her leadership roles, Mrs. Ross served as a teacher for several years at Mansfield Middle School.
Mrs. Ross holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary English and Social Studies and a Master’s of Arts in Teaching as a Reading Specialist from National University, as well as plus 30 and Educational Leadership certification from LSU-Shreveport.
“I am honored to be named the new leader of Mansfield High School by Superintendent Corley and his team. I have many fond memories of my time at Mansfield, and I am ready to serve the students, faculty, staff, and community again,” said Mrs. Ross. “To my Mansfield Wolverine family, I’m back home! Let’s continue to give our absolute best EACH day for EACH student!’”
“Anesha Ross is a reflective, ethical, servant-leader who does not settle for less than the best of herself, as well as that of her students, and teachers in her charge,” said Ms. Lillie Giles, Supervisor of Administration. “That coupled with Mrs. Ross’ uncompromising quest for excellence communicates that she will be an awesome, effective instructional leader at Mansfield High School.”
Principal North DeSoto Middle School
Mr. Barry Carter has been named principal of North DeSoto Middle School, effective July 1. Currently, Mr. Carter is the Administrative Assistant at NDMS, having served in that role for the past two years. Prior experience includes 1 year as Administrative Assistant at North DeSoto Lower Elementary and 10 years as a teacher in the DeSoto and Lincoln Parish School Systems.
Mr. Carter completed his undergraduate work with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health from Louisiana Tech University and earned a Master’s Degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University.
“I am grateful and honored to have been selected Principal for North Desoto Middle School,” said Mr. Barry Carter. “It has been a great opportunity and blessing to learn and grow under Mr. Simmons, and he will be surely missed. I am very excited to continue working with our staff to ensure that our students continue on a path of achievement and excellence at North Desoto Middle School.”
“Barry Carter is known for the strategic way in which he plans and prioritizes his schedule to engage in instructional leadership activities that are focused on teaching and learning,” stated Ms. Lillie Giles.. “His current work as an Administrative Assistant has prepared him to accept the challenge of becoming the Principal of North DeSoto Middle School.”
Principal North DeSoto Lower Elementary School
Mr. Russell Tabor has been named principal of North DeSoto Lower Elementary School, effective July 1. Mr. Tabor has worked in the district for 12 years, serving as an assistant principal at North DeSoto High School for the last 7 years. Before that, he worked at North DeSoto Lower Elementary School as a first grade teacher and master teacher, and in Claiborne Parish as an elementary teacher.
“We are excited to name Mr. Tabor as principal of North DeSoto Lower Elementary School.” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “His years of experience as an assistant principal at the high school will serve him well in ensuring our youngest learners get off to a great start in their academic careers. His knowledge of and commitment to the North DeSoto community also positions him well to immediately make connections with all stakeholders. Additionally, his background as a lower elementary teacher and master teacher gives him the necessary instructional knowledge to lead with great competence and a clear vision for the future.”
Mr. Tabor completed his undergraduate work at Louisiana Tech University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree. He later earned a Master’s Degree plus 30 with certification as a supervisor and principal.
“This is a bittersweet time, as the Class of 2020 was the first class I taught when I joined this district 12 years ago, and also the class I exit with from North DeSoto High School, coming full circle back to North DeSoto Lower Elementary,” said Mr. Tabor. “Though we are in a period of the unknown, I look forward to the challenges of leading the awesome group of teachers and staff at North DeSoto Lower Elementary in making sure our students have the opportunity to Dream It, Believe It, and Achieve It.”
“As a high school assistant principal, Mr. Tabor’s service had a significant impact on students’ lives and well-being as he focused on helping students develop critical skills to successfully navigate college, career, and life,” said Ms. Lillie Giles, Director of Administration. “As principal of North DeSoto Lower Elementary, Mr.Tabor will lay the foundation for students to develop life-ready skills and a love for learning that will endure long after his tenure at North DeSoto Lower Elementary has ended.”
Supervisor of Early Childhood Education
Mrs. Bridget Flanders has been named Supervisor of Early Childhood Education, effective July 1. Mrs. Flanders has 12 years of experience as a building administrator and currently serves as principal of North DeSoto Lower Elementary. Prior experience includes service as assistant principal of North DeSoto Lower Elementary School, assistant principal of Mansfield Elementary School and curriculum coordinator at MES. Last year, Mrs. Flanders received recognition as the DPSB Principal of the Year.
Mrs. Flanders holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master’s of Arts in Educational Administration from LSU-Shreveport.
“As Early Childhood Supervisor for DeSoto Parish Schools, I look forward to seeing our students soar to new heights, '' said Flanders. “As a district, we will reach these goals as we continually place students at the center of all we do and offer each one MORE PLAY - meaningful, on-going, rich experiences promoting learning around you.”
“Early childhood education aims at the holistic development of a child's social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs to build a solid foundation for lifelong learning and well-being,” remarked Mrs. Kathy Noel, Director of Student Learning. “Desoto Parish School System and the Department of Student Learning see this as a primary component of our work as educators. There is no one more equipped than Bridget Flanders to lead this priority in our school system. It is with great pleasure that I welcome her to this role.”
“We are fortunate to be a part of a school system filled with great leaders who devote tremendous effort to improving outcomes for kids. These three dynamic leaders have distinguished themselves among their peers and we look forward to seeing them excel as leaders in their new role,” said Superintendent Corley.