Being named Bossier Parish Principal of the Year is a huge honor and three school leaders
were surprised with that news today when Superintendent Jason Rowland showed up on
their doorsteps to congratulate them. Meet the 2027-28 Bossier Parish Principals of the Year
who now advance to the next level of the Louisiana Principal of the Year competition.
Elementary Principal of the Year Shuntay Banks
W.T. Lewis Elementary Principal Shuntay Banks was chosen as the Bossier Parish Elementary
Principal of the Year. She is in her 23rd year as an educator and is an alumnus of Bossier
Schools. Following graduation from Haughton High School, Banks received degrees from
University of Louisiana at Monroe and Grambling State University. Her career in education
began in Caddo Parish, then took her to R.V. Kerr Elementary as a teacher and Stockwell
Place Elementary as an instructional coach and assistant principal, before being tapped as
Principal at W.T. Lewis. Known for her innovative leadership and empowering her staff,
Banks places special emphasis on building relationships with students, staff and the
community.
Middle School Principal of the Year Nicholas Almasy
Benton Middle School Principal Nicholas Almasy will represent the district as its Bossier
Parish Middle School Principal of the Year. Almasy, who is marking two decades as an
educator, graduated from LSUS with his Masters in Educational Leadership before beginning
his career in Webster Parish. He transferred to Bossier Parish in 2014 to serve as assistant
principal of Benton Middle, then moved into the role as principal in 2024. Almasy is known
for his calm demeanor, humility and willingness to listen and empower those around him.
High School Principal of the Year Steven Vrbka
Parkway High Principal Steven Vrbka comes full circle as the 2027-28 Bossier Parish High
School Principal of the Year. A proud graduate of Parkway, Vrbka now serves as the principal
at his alma mater. The 18-year educator began his career in the classroom at Parkway, then
moved to teach at Airline High School before returning to Panther Nation as assistant
principal and then principal. Known for his high energy and data-driven decision making,
Vrbka excels in his ability to build meaningful relationships with everyone he encounters.
“Great schools begin with great leadership, and these three principals exemplify the very
best of our profession,” said Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland. “This
well-deserved recognition reflects their unwavering commitment to educational excellence,
student success and the positive culture they have built within their school communities.
We are proud to celebrate this honor with them and look forward to cheering them on as
they advance in the state competition.”
Banks, Almasy and Vrbka will now compete against principals from districts throughout
Louisiana. The statewide winner will be announced in July 2027 by the Louisiana
Department of Education and serve as Principal of the Year for the 2027-28 school year.