Shreveport, Louisiana, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The Caddo Parish School Board has appointed Jeri Bowen as the interim representative for District 8 following the resignation of Christine Tharpe. The decision was made after evaluating three candidates during a special session. Bowen, who has significant experience and a commitment to education, will serve until a special election in 2026. Her leadership is expected to guide the board as it faces educational challenges.
Caddo Parish School Board Appoints Jeri Bowen as Interim Representative for District 8 Following Christine Tharpe’s Resignation
Shreveport, Louisiana – The Caddo Parish School Board has officially appointed Jeri Bowen as the interim representative for District 8 after the recent resignation of longtime board member Christine Tharpe. The decision was made during a special session held on September 2, where board members interviewed and evaluated three candidates for the position.
The vacancy arose when Tharpe stepped down at the end of August. The board had gathered to consider candidates, ultimately selecting Bowen, who is well-acquainted with the district she will serve. She has resided in District 8 for approximately 25 years and previously held the same board seat on an interim basis during the pandemic, prior to Tharpe’s election.
During the selection process, each candidate was allotted ten minutes to present their qualifications and intentions to the board members. The other candidates considered were Cheyenna Newman and Emma Shepard. Following these presentations, the board conducted a voting session, quickly agreeing on Bowen as the most suitable candidate for the role.
In her address to the board, Bowen, who currently serves as the executive director of the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center, emphasized the criticality of education, articulating her belief that “education matters” and is fundamentally important. She has committed to collaborating with her fellow board members to enhance educational outcomes for all students within Caddo Parish.
Jeri Bowen’s appointment is set to last until a special election is scheduled for April 18, 2026. The qualifying window for candidates in this upcoming election will take place from January 14 to January 16, providing opportunities for others to seek election for the permanent position.
Christine Tharpe had been a member of the Caddo Parish School Board since November 2020. She was re-elected in 2022 before her resignation. Specific reasons for Tharpe’s departure from her position have not been disclosed.
Background and Impact
The significance of Jeri Bowen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Caddo Parish schools as they navigate various challenges in the educational landscape. Bowen’s experience and commitment to education may contribute positively to the decisions made by the board in the coming years. Parents, educators, and community members alike will be watching closely to see how her leadership influences the direction of policies and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education for all students.
Next Steps
With the upcoming special election set for 2026, the Caddo Parish School Board will be operating under the interim leadership of Bowen while gearing up for a competitive election season. Prospective candidates will have the chance to define their platforms and vision for education in the district during the qualifying period in mid-January.
Conclusion
The appointment of Jeri Bowen marks a key transition for District 8 within the Caddo Parish School Board, providing continuity in leadership after Christine Tharpe’s resignation. Bowen’s background and commitment to education will likely shape the future direction of the district as it faces both challenges and opportunities in the years to come.
FAQ Section
What led to the appointment of Jeri Bowen?
Jeri Bowen was appointed to fill the vacant District 8 seat following the resignation of longtime board member Christine Tharpe.
When will Jeri Bowen’s term end?
Bowen will serve until a special election is scheduled for April 18, 2026.
Who were the other candidates considered for the position?
The other candidates were Cheyenna Newman and Emma Shepard, both of whom presented their qualifications to the board.
When is the qualifying period for the upcoming special election?
The qualifying period for the special election will take place from January 14 to January 16, 2026.
Key Features of the Appointment
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Appointee | Jeri Bowen |
| District | District 8 |
| Reason for vacancy | Resignation of Christine Tharpe |
| Date of Appointment | September 2, 2023 |
| Other Candidates | Cheyenna Newman, Emma Shepard |
| Term End Date | April 18, 2026 |
| Qualifying Period | January 14-16, 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: Interim District 8 Seat Holder Named
- KSLA: Caddo School Board Chooses Between 3 Candidates for District 8 Seat
- KTAL: Caddo Parish School Board Interim Announcement
- Wikipedia: Caddo Parish, Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Caddo Parish
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
