News

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that five recipients in Louisiana will receive a total of $6,891,144 in Brownfields grants to assess, cleanup, and revitalize local properties. These grants put the agency’s commitment to protect human health and the environment into action while remaining good stewards of tax dollars and advancing policies to energize the economy.

Congratulations to Peyton Dufour, Coordinator of Communications, Family & Community Engagement for DeSoto Parish Schools, for being selected as one of only 12 recipients nationwide to receive a scholarship to the 2025 NSPRA National Seminar!

This prestigious honor, awarded by the National School Public Relations Association and made possible through the NSPRA Foundation, reflects Peyton’s commitment to excellence in school communications and his passion for telling the DeSoto Parish story with purpose and impact

DeSoto Parish Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Coach Patrick Lindsey as the new Assistant Principal of Logansport High School. A seasoned educator, coach, and leader, Coach Lindsey brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success to his new role.

A native of Los Angeles, California, Coach Lindsey’s professional journey spans several Louisiana school systems, including Claiborne Parish and Caddo Parish. His educational career has included roles as a physical education teacher, head boys and girls basketball coach at Homer High School, Pineview High School, Woodlawn High School, and Northwood High School, and Assistant Principal of Discipline at Southwood High School.

The DeSoto Parish School Board has announced their May Employees of the Month.

First, Alfredo Rawls was selected for the Support Staff employee due to her dedication to Mansfield High School being unmatched. She is the true definition of a staff member who goes above and beyond.

The May DeSoto Teacher of the month is Peggy Turner. He presence has nurtured generation of students, guiding them with wisdom and love. Through every challenge, she’s remained a shining example of patience, strength, and care.

Harlem Morgan was selected as the New Teacher of the month for May. She fosters strong relationships with both students and staff. She takes initiative to grow her craft and brings steadiness, peace, and optimism to her team.

Congratulations to each of these outstanding DeSoto Parish School Board employees.

On May 14, 2025, Narcotics Agents with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office concluded a lengthy investigation into the Distribution of Methamphetamines in and around the Mansfield area.

Over the course of this investigation, Narcotics Agents were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Remon D. Ford (45yo Black Male of Mansfield, LA) for seven (7) counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Meth).

On the morning of May 14th, DeSoto Narcotics Agents, SWAT, and K9 Unit executed a search warrant at a residence near Hogan’s Alley in Mansfield. During the search, agents located over 41 grams of Meth inside along with several items of Drug Paraphernalia. Near the end of this investigation agents seized several ounces of Meth and a large sum of US Currency.

On Saturday, North DeSoto baseball won its first state title since 2012, with a game three victory over Brusly.

After falling 15–0 the night before, the Griffins were not going to let that happen again.

The offense got started in the second inning, with Miller Warren getting things started, driving in Luke Delafield to go up 1–0. Colton LaCour quickly followed suit with another RBI single, this time driving in Warren. A sac bunt from Brayden Tootham brought home Trace Ogle and the Griffins were out to a 3–0 lead.

In the third inning, Warren popped one over the wall for a three-run home run, giving the Griffins a 6–0 advantage early in the game.

Brusly answered with three runs of their own in the bottom of the third to cut North DeSoto’s lead down to just three runs.

Neither team brought in runs until the fifth, when Ogle brought in another run off a single to center to make it a 7–3 game going into the seventh.

On April 29, the DeSoto Parish School Board proudly celebrated 83 outstanding seniors at the Elite Scholars Banquet! These students exemplify academic excellence, dedication, and leadership. We are excited to see how they excel in the next chapter of their career/educational journey. Congratulations to all of the Elite Scholars — you are the future, and it looks bright

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Christopher Thomas as the next Principal of Mansfield High School. Mr. Thomas, a lifelong resident of DeSoto Parish and a proud alumnus of Mansfield High School, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to the Mansfield community.

Mr. Thomas is a member of the Mansfield High School Class of 1994 and was a part of the school’s 1991 State Championship football team. He has dedicated his career to the success of DeSoto Parish students, beginning in 2001 when he joined Mansfield High School as a Special Education and American History teacher. During his tenure, he also served as assistant football coach, head boys basketball coach, and head baseball coach. In 2016, Mr. Thomas transitioned to Logansport High School, where he has excelled in the role of Assistant Principal.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce that the Louisiana Department of Education has named Mrs. Bettie Carter a 2025 Outstanding School Support Employee State Finalist. This well-deserved honor celebrates over five decades of unwavering service, dedication, and excellence in education from a true pillar of the Mansfield school community.

Mrs. Carter has been a steadfast presence in the Mansfield Schools for more than 50 years. Known for her tireless commitment and deep connection to the Mansfield Wolverines, she is as much a part of the school’s identity as its colors and traditions. Her late husband, Mr. Fred Carter, served as a beloved disciplinarian and football coach at Mansfield High School, and together, they became champions of Mansfield student success.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Melanie Matthews as the new Assistant Principal of North DeSoto High School. A dedicated educator with 14 years of experience, Mrs. Matthews brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to student success.

Mrs. Matthews has served in various educational roles across DeSoto and Caddo Parishes, including 10 years as a classroom teacher and four years in administration. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and has consistently demonstrated a passion for helping students thrive academically and personally.

As a proud resident of DeSoto Parish and the parent of two students currently attending North DeSoto schools, Mrs. Matthews is deeply connected to the community and is eager to contribute to the continued growth and excellence of North DeSoto High School.