By Dana Fergins-Hawthorne
I am running for Caddo Parish School Board District 6 because our children’s futures deserve experienced leadership, thoughtful decisions, and consistent follow-through. As someone born and raised in this community, I understand that a school’s success reaches far beyond its classrooms. Strong schools strengthen families, create opportunities, and shape the future of our entire parish.
My commitment to education spans more than 24 years. I have served as a paraprofessional, classroom teacher, literacy coach, teacher recruiter, instructional coordinator, assistant principal, university professor, and supervisor of student teachers. My superintendent preparation through Lamar University included an internship in Plano ISD focused on district leadership, school board policy, and procedure. These experiences have prepared me to ask informed questions, examine evidence, and understand how board decisions affect students and educators.
If elected, I intend to focus on stronger academic outcomes, supported teachers, safe schools, meaningful family engagement, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Academic improvement must begin with clear priorities in literacy, mathematics, and student readiness. I will advocate for measurable goals and understandable progress reports so families can see where schools are improving and where additional support is needed. Every student deserves access to rigorous instruction, timely intervention, and pathways toward college, careers, or technical training.
Teachers also deserve leadership that listens. I will support efforts to recruit and retain effective educators, strengthen professional development, and address barriers that take valuable time away from teaching. Safe, respectful learning environments must remain central to that work.
Families deserve a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their children. I intend to maintain consistent communication, welcome concerns, and explain the reasoning behind my votes. Decisions involving budgets, facilities, and school changes require careful examination of both the evidence and the consequences for families.
What do I hope to gain? The trust of the people I serve and the opportunity to help turn that trust into lasting progress. I want families to feel heard, educators to feel supported, and students to know that their futures matter in every decision we make.
I understand that one board member cannot accomplish this work alone. Progress requires collaboration, preparation, and the willingness to ask difficult questions while remaining focused on children.
My commitment is straightforward: show up prepared, listen carefully, act responsibly, and remain accountable. I am ready to bring my experience home in service to District 6 and the future of Caddo Parish.
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