The summer has started with exciting news for Bellaire Elementary School Principal
Alyshia Coulson, who was named a 2027 Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalist. The
announcement was made at the beginning of the Teacher Leader Summit, a
professional learning event being hosted by the Louisiana Department of Education
in New Orleans that thousands of educators are attending from throughout the
state.

Now in her 10th year as principal of Bellaire Elementary, Coulson said it is a true
honor to be named a Finalist for Principal of the Year for the State of Louisiana.

“This honor isn’t about me as an individual; it is a collective honor that belongs to
our entire community,” Coulson said. “A leader is only as good as those they
surround themselves with and those who are invested in their success. The entire
Bellaire staff is phenomenal. We work collectively as a family to wrap around and
serve ALL of our students. Our wonderful families, the entire South Bossier
community, our business partners, and a multitude of other agencies provide so
much support for our teachers and students. I am eternally grateful for all the
support and opportunities Mr. Rowland and all of the district level leaders have
given me. I am so honored to represent Bossier Parish and am incredibly proud of
the culture and success we have built at Bossier Schools, where everything matters.

In addition to serving at the helm of the K-3 elementary school, Coulson also sits on
the Louisiana Association of Principals executive board and is in the current cohort
of the Louisiana Superintendents Academy.

“Mrs. Coulson is an exemplary leader who shines everyday at Bellaire Elementary
and has earned the respect of everyone across Bossier Parish,” said Bossier Schools
Superintendent Jason Rowland. “She has a tremendous heart for children that is
reflected in everything she does, and we are thrilled to celebrate her for this
well-deserved honor.”

Coulson will be honored in July at the 20th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator
Excellence Awards Gala in New Orleans, where the Louisiana Department of
Education will name the overall 2027 Louisiana Principal of the Year.