Shreveport, Louisiana, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Caddo Parish School Board is undergoing significant changes following the resignation of board member Christine Tharpe, who has vacated her District 8 seat. A special election will be held to fill the position, with candidate qualifications set to begin in early 2026. Additionally, a one-time stipend for eligible employees has been announced, funded by local tax revenues. These changes come amidst efforts to recruit new teachers and maintain educational standards in the district.
Shreveport, Louisiana – The Caddo Parish School Board is facing significant changes following the resignation of board member Christine Tharpe, who has vacated the District 8 seat. Tharpe, who served since November 2020, is relocating to another district. A special election is scheduled for April 18, 2026, to fill her position, with candidate qualifications running from January 14-16, 2026, and the application deadline for interested individuals set for August 29, 2025, at 4 p.m.
In her resignation statement, Tharpe highlighted her gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside fellow board members, educators, and community partners. The board is now tasked with ensuring a smooth transition for the incoming representative of District 8. Interested candidates aiming to fill this vacancy are required to submit letters of interest to the Board President through either in-person delivery to the Superintendent’s office or via email. A special meeting has been arranged for September 2, 2025, at 4 p.m. for candidate interviews, where applicants will be allowed a 10-minute presentation of their qualifications.
Accompanying this change is the announcement of a one-time stipend of $1,500 for eligible employees of the Caddo Parish School District. This decision was made during a recent board meeting and is set to be paid out on September 12, 2025, to staff who are eligible for benefits as of September 1, 2025. This stipend is financed through unexpectedly high local tax revenues and serves as an additional financial boost alongside a state-approved one-time stipend of $2,000 for certified staff and $1,000 for support staff initiated by Governor Jeff Landry. The Superintendent of the Caddo Parish School District underscored the effort to recognize teachers and staff for their commitment and contributions.
Furthermore, the Caddo Parish School Board has authorized a bid of $1.3 million for the recently closed Queensborough Elementary School. The decision saw seven votes in favor, one against, and one abstention. Public comments voiced concerns regarding the property’s valuation, shedding light on potential community apprehension.
In an effort to maintain its educational standards, the Caddo Parish School District is actively recruiting new teachers and support staff for the next academic year, 2025-2026, illustrating an ongoing commitment to enhancing its educational framework amid the recent developments.
Key Dates Overview
- Election Date: April 18, 2026
- Candidate Qualification Period: January 14-16, 2026
- Application Deadline: August 29, 2025, at 4 p.m.
- Candidate Interview Meeting: September 2, 2025, at 4 p.m.
- Stipend Payment Date: September 12, 2025
Background Context
The steps taken by the Caddo Parish School Board reflect a dynamic period in the local education system. With the resignation of an established board member and plans for a new election, the community’s voice will seek representation through a newly elected candidate. Additionally, the approved stipends reflect a response to the acknowledgment of educators’ integral roles, particularly in light of unpredictable budgetary outcomes from local tax revenues.
Efforts to recruit quality educators are also critical, with the district making strides to attract new talent ahead of the upcoming school year. This highlights the board’s recognition of the interconnectedness between staffing, funding, and the overall quality of education delivered within the Caddo Parish School District.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resignation of Christine Tharpe | Vacates District 8 seat, election required |
| Special Election Date | April 18, 2026 |
| Stipend Announcement | $1,500 one-time stipend for eligible employees |
| Application Deadline | August 29, 2025, at 4 p.m. |
| Queensborough Elementary School Bid | $1.3 million, voted on by the board |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Woodlawn High School Temporarily Locked Down After Shots Fired
Ruston, Louisiana Welcomes Major Investment in Microchip Facility
Young Professionals Initiative Reveals Honorees
Alarming Food Safety Violations Reported in Caddo Parish
Ruston to Host $80 Million Secure Microchip Facility
G-Unit Studios Announces G-Dome Development in Shreveport
Shreveport Police Search for Woman in $140,000 Fraud Case
Northwest Louisiana High School Football Preseason Scrimmages Begin
Body Found in Red River Near Jimmie Davis Bridge
Shreveport Man Arrested for Multiple Felonies Including Shootings
Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Caddo School Board Approves Stipend for Employees
- Shreveport Times: Caddo School Board District 8 Special Election Scheduled
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Caddo School Board District 8 Representative
- KTBS News: Thousands of Caddo Students Return to Class
- Google Search: Caddo Parish School Board
- Wikipedia: Education in Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
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.
