News

Voters residing in parts of DeSoto Parish participated in a November 18 election for two separate bond propositions. Districts 1 (Logansport) and 2 (North DeSoto) had questions on the ballot with proposals to modernize facilities, upgrade safety and security, and construct a new school to address rapid growth.

Voters in Logansport (District no. 1) approved a $23 million building bond proposal focused on the safety, security, and modernization of current facilities. Unofficial vote counts were 470 in favor and 430 against, with 900 total voters participating in the election.

Because the bond was approved, the plan can move forward to construct a central corridor with secure access points, provide updates to the stadium and gymnasium area, and add spaces that will eliminate the need for mobile classrooms and provide more effective and efficient spaces for programming.

DeSoto Parish Schools is excited to announce the appointment of Lainee Cosby as Executive Master Teacher of Student Learning.

As an educator for twenty- two years, nineteen in Desoto Parish, Cosby has had the opportunity to impact the growth of teachers and students directly. She served DeSoto students as a math teacher at North DeSoto Middle School and became a TAP Mentor teacher in the first year of implementation in DeSoto Parish. After eleven years of serving as a Mentor, Mrs. Cosby moved into the Master teacher role. She continued her work with students and teachers at NDMS, which allowed her to serve on an Instructional Leadership Team as a school leader for sixteen years. Cosby also recently worked to help create the LDOE Accelerate Math Curriculum, which is used to aid in closing learning gaps for students across the state.

Earlier this year Perry Thompson was asked to design and construct what would become the largest Christmas tree structure in the world by using the communications tower at the Sheriff’s Substation in Stonewall.

Through many conversations with engineers and design revisions, we were able to do just that. On Friday, November 24, a very simple yet very precise Christmas tree structure that will be the tallest Christmas Tree light structure on the planet was revealed. It’s very beautiful and makes the Christmas season in DeSoto spread out a little bit more.

Thompson sida, “First though, I know that God allowed us to walk in this opportunity. And secondly, a big shout out to Jayson Richardson for trusting us with the task.

I am humbled and thankful to walk alongside of the vision that Jayson had and play a small part in a very cool feature piece for our community.

DPSB Recognizes DeSoto Teachers of the Year

If you Google “What is the current tallest Christmas Tree structure in the world?” you may find results such as in Enid, Oklahoma which stands at 140 feet, or perhaps Indianapolis, Indiana which stands at 284 feet. Such a structure not only provides a little extra holiday spirit during Christmas, but also brings in tourists to visit, admire, and shop in those areas that have made their mark as a welcoming stop during the Christmas Season.

On November 13, the Louisiana Department of Education publicly released the 2022-2023 School and District Performance Scores. DeSoto ranks 3rd in the state of Louisiana, and is one of only 10 school systems with an overall rating of “A.”

DeSoto received a District Performance Score of 93.7. The District Performance Score is calculated by combining performance in LEAP 2025 state assessments for grades 3-8 and high school courses, ACT scores, graduation rates, strength of diploma, and interests and opportunities. DeSoto Parish Schools ranks 4th overall in Progress Index with a letter grade of “A” and an index of96.8. This index is a measure of individual student growth when compared to their peers.

Due to the early print date that The Enterprise had to follow due to Thanksgiving, the election results and football playoff games updates are not included in this edition. We apologize for any inconvenience and confusion that this may have come. Please read all about it in the November 30 edition!

On November 25, singer songwriter Bryan Martin will return home to the Logansport area to present a concert along with Steven Champion, Ben Roberts, Lucas Jagneaux and the Road Show, Wyatt Putman, Jacob Wheeler, Steven Molanders, and Ashley Rachell.

Gates open at 4:15 p.m. with the show beginning at 5:00 p.m. There are a limited amount of pre-sale tickets available through November 22, with pre-sale cooler passes priced at $25.00. Pre-sale adult tickets are priced at $10.00 and presale children’s tickets for ages 11 and under are $5.00. Gate prices the day of the concert will be $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children.

Seating is limited so it is suggested that you bring lawn chairs and blankets.

For more information visit discoverdesoto. com for tickets and information.

In September 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying one hundred two passengers including an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the New World. After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted sixty-six days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth.

The Mansfield Branch of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN will hold its ANNUAL LITERACY FESTIVAL on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the DeSoto Parish Library in Mansfield, at 3:00 P.M. Dr. Gretchen Petterway, pediatrician and children’s book author, will be the featured speaker and author. Ms. Diane Scott Davis, choreographer/dancer and writer, will perform an interpretive dance. There will be free books, storytelling, snacks, treats, cake walk, bounce house, and fun activities for everyone. This is an annual event that is sponsored by NAUW to promote literacy and to inspire children to develop a passion for reading.