Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland descended on the doorsteps of three campuses today to
surprise administrators with the news they will represent the district as its 2025-26 Principals of the Year and
advance to the next level of the Louisiana Principal of the Year competition.
Veteran educator Cathy Turner was chosen as the Bossier Parish Elementary Principal of the Year. This is her
12th year as principal at Platt Elementary in Haughton and her 31st year in education. Turner previously spent
two years as Assistant Principal at Princeton Elementary. Described as a quiet, solid leader with a humble
servant’s heart, Turner is seen as a role model among principals across the district.
Benton Intermediate School Principal Jennifer Burris will represent the district as its Bossier Parish Middle
School Principal of the Year. Burris is in her 25th year in education. She has spent the last five of those years
as principal at Benton Intermediate, previously serving as Assistant Principal at Benton Middle School. Beloved
by her faculty and staff, Burris leads the only school in Bossier Parish with a 5th/6th grade configuration.
Whitney Clark is the Bossier Parish High School Principal of the Year. Clark is in her second year as Benton
High School Principal and 18th in education. Prior to being tapped as principal, she was the Assistant Principal
at Benton High for seven years. Clark is touted for her sweet spirit, leading with a smile and displaying quiet
courage, which is not to be confused with weakness. Students are top of mind with every decision Clark
makes.
The three school leaders will now compete against principals from districts throughout Louisiana. The
statewide winner will be announced in July 2025 by the Louisiana Department of Education and will serve as
Principal of the Year for the 2025-26 school year.