With much prayer, reflection and support from my family and constituents, I am thrilled to formally announce my candidacy for re-election to the Natchitoches Parish School Board, District 6.
These past eight years have been the most exciting journey of growth and change for our school district, it is with renewed commitment and optimism that I want to continue serving the students, parents, educators and fellow board members of our great district.
These past four years were full of highs and lows. Tough budget-based decisions were made and these decisions, though not as large, will continue for the foreseeable future. It is more important than ever to have experienced School Board Members present at the table that are able to work together for the good of the children.
Our district as a whole, not just one person, has made outstanding strides in improving student outcomes. Natchitoches Parish was one of only nine school districts nationwide recognized by the Harvard-Standford Education Recovery Scorecard for post-COVID reading success. We have a National Blue Ribbon School. Natchitoches Parish is now a “B” district. Natchitoches proficiency rates continue to exceed the state average. These are just to name just a few.
When I first ran for office, I ran on a platform of putting children first, public transparency, communication with parents, and developing relationships between our business community and the Natchitoches Parish School Board. I am proud to say that we have more support from local businesses, parents and our community than we have ever had in the history of our district.
During these past four years I continued to be elected to the Louisiana State School Boards Association as a Board Member for District 5. Having representation from Natchitoches Parish serve on a statewide board gives me the opportunity to work with a delegation whose sole purpose is to advocate on behalf of public education, and students to help create the best possible opportunities to become successful.
I sincerely appreciate your support and prayers for the past eight years. Thank you for putting your trust in me to make the best, fair and most informative decisions for our school district. Being a public servant for the past two terms has blessed me in more ways than I can count. It has been a challenge in more ways than I can count. But, being available for parents during their time of need or questions about our school system is something I will continue into the next term, as well as supporting parents from other districts in our Parish. I have made it a personal mission to help everyone who crosses my path, and I will continue that same availability over the next four years should you decide you want me to continue.
I humbly and prayerfully ask you to continue your support of my candidacy for Natchitoches Parish School Board, District 6.
For questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 318-332-4260 or email me at jreba.phelps@gmail.com