By Pat Culverhouse –
A deadline has passed and only two applications have been received in the search for a new Webster Parish superintendent of schools to replace Johnny Rowland, who is retiring effective Dec. 20.
Applications were received from Dr. Rebecca Wilson, the current school board Personnel Director, and Bewanchi Sheppard, current Federal Programs and Technology Supervisor in the Claiborne Parish school system.
Interviews for the candidates have been set for Nov. 16 by the school board. Members of the current school board reportedly will conduct interviews and make the selection.
Wilson has been personnel director in Webster Parish since July, 2024. She began her Webster Parish teaching career at Lakeside Jr/Sr High School in 2009. She was principal at Minden High School for seven years before receiving her promotion to the central office.
She received her BA from Louisiana Tech University and pursued advanced degrees, gaining a Master of Arts in Christian Education from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education/Teaching from Northwestern State University.
Wilson continued her advanced degrees with a PhD from Northwestern in Adult Learning and Development with concentration in college administration. She has 18 total years experience in teaching and administration.
Sheppard has been with the Claiborne Parish school system since 2023, but has pervious administrative experience in Webster Parish. From 2010 to 2024, she was assistant principal at Minden High and was named principal at Webster Jr. High where she pervade from July, 2014 until December, 2022.
She has 25 years combined experience in the classroom and in administration.