By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
More than 40 high school juniors got a firsthand look at what it takes to lead a school district during Bossier Youth Leadership’s annual “Role Reversal” day on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
The program, designed to immerse students in the workings of public education, allowed them to trade places with educators and administrators for a day. While the morning focused on learning from district leaders and lending a hand in classrooms at Plain Dealing High, the afternoon spotlight was on a unique exercise — a mock election and school board meeting.
Students campaigned for positions such as Superintendent and School Board member, delivering speeches and outlining priorities before ballots were cast. After the results were tallied, the newly “elected” leaders took their seats at the dais, where they conducted a mock board meeting complete with policy discussions and decision-making.
For many participants, the exercise was a real eye-opener.
The day began at the Bossier Parish School Board office in Benton, where students heard from administrators about district operations. They then visited Plain Dealing High to shadow teachers and staff before concluding at the Bossier Instructional Center on Airline Drive for the mock elections and meeting.
Organizers said the program is designed to spark interest in leadership and public service.
By the end of the day, students left not only with a deeper appreciation for their teachers and school leaders but also with a greater sense of responsibility for their own education and the future of their community.