DeSoto Serves to make a difference in the lives of our students by instilling a sense of community and responsibility, providing a positive and collaborative culture, and promoting excellence through innovative educational experiences and service to others.

Superintendent Corley shares a special message reflecting on the 2024-2025 school year, celebrating our achievements and the incredible work of our students, staff, and community.

Thank you for making this year unforgettable. Have a safe and happy summer!

Congratulations to the DeSoto Parish Schools Class of 2025! As graduation week comes to a close, we celebrate your achievements and look forward to the bright futures ahead. We’re proud of you!

In a remarkable achievement that highlights the power of early college access and career preparation, several North DeSoto High School seniors are graduating not just with high school diplomas—but also with associates degrees and college technical certificates    that prepares them for their post-secondary journey in college and career pathways.

Thanks to a strong partnership with the  BPCC Fast Forward Program, five North DeSoto High School students from the Class of 2025 will walk across the stage this May already holding Associate of General Studies degrees from Bossier Parish Community College. These high performing  students are Laylen Wallace, Katelyn Warren, Noah Severin, Ryleigh Love and Ethan Smith—each having completed rigorous college-level coursework while still in high school.

In addition to these associate degrees, three other North DeSoto High School students are earning Certificates of Technical Studies in high-demand fields: Alyssa Meeks in Business Administration, Chris Freeman in Computer Repair, and Isabella Clark in Business Administration.

The Fast Forward Program is a bold initiative aligned with the joint vision of the Board of Regents (BoR) and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)—a vision that states that beginning with the freshman class of 2025, every Louisiana public high school graduate will finish with college credit, a postsecondary credential, or both. This movement isn't just about accelerating education—it's about expanding opportunity and preparing students for real-world success in a rapidly changing job market.

By offering pathways that blend academic and technical instruction, Fast Forward supports the DeSoto Parish Schools mission: "Promoting excellence through innovating educational experiences and service to others. " The program offers three pathways—Jumpstart 2.0, TOPS University, and Apprenticeship—allowing students to tailor their education to their future goals.

These students’ accomplishments represent more than individual achievement—they reflect DeSoto Parish Schools’ core value of high performance and using acquired skills to make a difference in surrounding communities . Through strong partnerships between DeSoto Parish Schools and Bossier Parish Community College, students have been empowered to earn credentials that are not only nationally recognized, but also directly linked to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers in Louisiana and beyond.

Superintendent Clay Corley praised the graduates, stating, “These students exemplify what it means to lead and learn with purpose. They are models of what’s possible when we commit to creating pathways that give every student the opportunity to graduate with more than just a diploma—they graduate with options.”

As these seniors take their next steps into higher education or the workforce, they carry with them more than just credentials—they carry the confidence and preparation that come from having already succeeded in college-level learning. And in DeSoto Parish, that’s just the beginning.

For families interested in exploring  the opportunities offered through the Fast Forward Program, we encourage you to connect with your school counselor to begin your journey toward earning college credentials while still in high school.

DeSoto Parish Schools is excited  to announce the appointment of Samuel “Bo” Odom as the district’s new Supervisor of Maintenance. A lifelong DeSoto Parish resident, Coach Odom brings nearly three decades of excellence in both education and athletics to his new role.

A 1990 graduate and former athlete of Mansfield High School, Odom earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in 1994. He returned to Mansfield High in 1997, where he began his journey in education as a career and technical education (CTE) teacher and  as head baseball coach and assistant football coach. In 2006, Odom took the helm as head baseball coach at North DeSoto High School, where he has led the Griffins for the past 19 years, shaping the lives of young men both on and off the field.

Over his storied 28-year career, Coach Odom has left a lasting legacy as a coach. His accolades include over 500 career baseball wins, ten district championships, and two state titles — the first in 2012 when he led the Griffins to the Class 3A Baseball State Championship, and most recently in this academic year, the 2025 Division II Non-Select Baseball State Championship.

Odom has been named Shreveport Times All-Area Coach of the Year four times. He was also recognized as the 2013 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year and the 2012 Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year, following North DeSoto’s historic title run.

Beyond his achievements on the field, Odom is known for his strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and commitment to the success of the district’s mission — qualities that will serve him well in his new capacity overseeing the maintenance of school facilities across DeSoto Parish.

Director of Operations, Josh Dahlem, speaks to Odom’s high degree of work ethic.  "Coach Odom has been an integral member of the DeSoto Parish Schools family over the last 28 years,” said Dahlem. “His attention to detail on the field and in the classroom, combined with his focus on maintaining quality facilities and grounds, will make him a valuable asset to all school campuses.

Coach Odom's deep roots in DeSoto Parish run through every corner of his life. He and his wife, Melanie — a dedicated educator at North DeSoto Lower Elementary — have been married for nearly 23 years and have built a life centered around service to their community. Their son, Sam — a proud graduate and former athlete of North DeSoto High School, who was also honored as Mr. NDHS in 2023 — is currently a student at Louisiana State University.

Odom’s commitment to DeSoto Parish is shared by his entire family. His sister, Rachel Odom Delafield, is a long-time educator who is currently teaching at North DeSoto High School. Odom’s niece Elizabeth Delafield Thomas and a graduate of Logansport High School, also teaches and coaches softball at North DeSoto Middle School.  His nieces, Emma Callie Booker (Delafield) and Aly Delafield, both contributed to North DeSoto's storied softball legacy as key players on multiple state championship teams. His nephew, Luke Delafield, carries on the family's athletic tradition as the starting  North DeSoto quarterback and as a  recent state champion in baseball.

From the classroom to the playing field, the Odom’s family legacy exemplifies a deep passion for and commitment to DeSoto Parish — a legacy of leadership, dedication, and pride that continues to make a tremendous impact on the DeSoto Parish Schools community.

“I am honored and excited to move into the role of Supervisor of Maintenance of DeSoto Parish Schools,” said Coach Bo Odom.  “Having been a lifelong student and employee of DeSoto Parish,  I am looking forward to maintaining all schools in the parish to the highest degree. Being able to serve the entire parish is an honor and It will not be taken lightly.”

DeSoto Parish Schools welcomes Coach Bo Odom to his new leadership role, and we look forward to his guidance  in helping maintain efficient and top-notch facilities.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce the appointment of  Mr. Todd Wedgeworth as the new Supervisor of Technology. Mr. Wedgeworth brings over 15 years of diverse experience in technology leadership spanning healthcare, emergency services, and the private sector. His proven expertise will be instrumental in advancing the district’s technology systems and enhancing digital infrastructure across all campuses.

Throughout his career, Mr. Wedgeworth has overseen complex enterprise infrastructure, managed multi-site networks, implemented cybersecurity frameworks, and ensured compliance within highly regulated industries. His experience includes everything from building IT systems from the ground up to delivering strategic technology solutions at both domestic and international levels.

Mr. Wedgeworth holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity, with a minor in Business Administration from Northwestern State University.  He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree at Louisiana State University.  Additionally, Mr. Wedgeworth holds numerous technology and industry certifications. Including Microsoft MCTS, CompTIAA+, Network +, Security +, and Server +.  He is also a licensed paramedic and certified EMS instructor.

Mr. Wedgeworth and his wife Megan have been residents of DeSoto Parish for 10 years. They are the proud parents of Zoë and Zackry who both attend North DeSoto Schools.

“This opportunity allows me to serve in a deeply personal way—it’s a commitment to serving the same community my family is a part of,” said Wedgeworth. “I’m excited to help shape a technology environment that empowers our educators, supports our students, and reflects the values of DeSoto Parish Schools.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Wedgeworth to our leadership team. His deep technical expertise, combined with his passion for community and education, makes him uniquely positioned to lead our technology initiatives into the future,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “ We are confident he will play a key role in elevating the learning experience for every student in DeSoto Parish.”

DeSoto Parish Schools looks forward to the leadership and innovation Mr. Wedgeworth will bring as we continue advancing our commitment to excellence in education through technology.

DeSoto Parish Schools are proud to announce significant gains in early literacy for the 2024-25 academic year. Recent DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) data shows districtwide measurable improvement in reading proficiency.

At the start of the school year, 49% of third-grade students were reading at or above grade level. By the end of the year, that figure had risen to 63%, a 14-percentage-point gain. These gains represent continued growth compared to 50% of students at or above the benchmark at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

“This amount of growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication DeSoto Parish  teachers bring to the table every day,” said Supervisor of Student Learning Willa Smith. “We look forward to our continued growth and improvement to make our students the most successful readers and citizens in our community and state.”

Furthermore, third-grade students demonstrated a 2-percentage-point increase from fall 2024 to winter 2024 screening windows, reflecting the district’s ongoing commitment to sustaining literacy progress throughout the academic year.

School-Level Results for 3rd Grade Literacy – End of Year 2024-25

• Logansport High School: 89% of students at or above benchmark

• Mansfield Elementary: 49% of students at or above benchmark

• North DeSoto Upper Elementary: 62% of students at or above benchmark

• Stanley High School: 78% of students at or above benchmark

Notably, both second and third grades made substantial improvements in literacy from fall 2023 to fall 2024, underscoring districtwide momentum in foundational reading achievement.

“Reading on grade level by third grade is a make-or-break milestone,” said Superintendent Clay Corley.  “These results show we are moving in the right direction, but we must keep our foot on the gas.  Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.”

Louisiana Legislation Reinforces the Importance of Early Literacy

This progress aligns with key legislative efforts to strengthen early literacy in Louisiana. Act No. 520 mandates the use of a literacy screener for all kindergarten through third-grade students in traditional public schools. Complementing this, Act No. 422 introduces R.S. 17:24.11, which requires that third-grade students who score at the lowest level on the screener may not be promoted to fourth grade. 

This promotion policy does not apply to students in public charter schools. These laws emphasize the importance of early intervention and reflect the state’s commitment to ensuring all students build strong reading skills by the end of third grade.

Supporting Literacy at Home

DeSoto Parish Schools recognize the crucial role families play in cultivating lifelong readers. Parents and guardians are encouraged to:

• Create a reading-friendly home environment.

• Read aloud with their children regularly.

• Incorporate vocabulary and language-building activities into everyday routines.

The Louisiana Department of Education offers various Family Literacy Resources to support literacy development. These tools empower families to build confident, capable readers at home.

DeSoto Parish Schools remain steadfast in their mission to foster a love of reading, accelerate student learning, and ensure every child is equipped with the literacy skills needed for lifelong success.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to welcome  Dr. Joshua Sims as the next Principal of Logansport High School, effective for the 2025-2026 school year.

Dr. Sims brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong record of academic leadership and student-focused innovation. A native of Ringgold, Louisiana, Dr. Sims’s professional journey is marked by impactful roles in Caddo Parish, where he served as a Math Teacher at Green Oaks High School, a Master Teacher at Booker T. Washington High School, and Assistant Principal of Discipline at both North Caddo Elementary/Middle School and Huntington High School.

Most recently, Dr. Sims has served as Principal of Caddo Middle Career and Technology School, where his leadership has driven notable gains in state performance metrics over the past two years. His strategic approach to education, grounded in instructional facilitation and leadership development, has consistently led to enriched learning experiences and improved student outcomes.

Dr. Sims holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Tech University. He also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Northwestern State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Sims to the Logansport community,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “His leadership experience and commitment to building strong relationships will help strengthen the foundation of excellence already in place at LHS.”

In his own words, Dr. Sims shared his excitement about joining Logansport High School:

“I am excited to take on the role of Principal at Logansport High School and am enthusiastic to serve a community similar to where I grew up. I firmly believe that every student has the potential to learn and succeed. The pivotal question is: What will you teach them?"

As a dedicated father to his two children, Ky and KJ, Dr. Sims brings a personal passion for student growth and family engagement to his role. With a vision grounded in excellence and community, he is poised to continue the tradition of success at Logansport High School.  DeSoto Parish Schools looks forward to Dr. Sims leadership capacity and how it will contribute to DeSoto’s mission to provide innovative educational experiences for all students.

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.

Mr. Thomas holds a Bachelor’s degree from McNeese State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University. His educational background and extensive experience provide a solid foundation for Thomas  to lead Mansfield High School into its next chapter of excellence.

Mr. Thomas and his wife, Anertail, who teaches Pre-Kindergarten at Mansfield Elementary School, have been married for 26 years. Together, they have three children—Alexis, Christian, and Ashton—all graduates of DeSoto Parish Schools. Alexis now teaches Physical Education at Mansfield Elementary School. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are also proud grandparents to Steele and Kash.

"I am humbled and honored to step into the role of Principal at Mansfield High School," said Mr. Thomas. "I look forward to serving the students and stakeholders of the city of Mansfield. My goal is to assist in developing all MHS students academically and socially, so that they will become productive citizens of our community. Together, we will continue the school’s mission of academic excellence, developing character, and celebrating the graduation of all students."

DeSoto Parish Schools is excited to welcome Mr. Thomas to this leadership role and looks forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on the Mansfield High School community.

Do not wait! Register now for our 3rd annual Back-to-School Blast-off Event! Click the registration form to get signed up!

We have compiled a list of resources to help you throughout the school year! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to fill out the "Ask a Question" form on our website.

• 2025-26 School Calendar

• New Grading Scale Policy

• Using Rooms for Home to School Communication

• Transportation Resources or call us at (318) 872-2798

• Download the DeSoto Parish Mobile App

  • Apple App Store

  • Google Play Store

399 Jenkins Street
Mansfield, LA 71052