By Pat Culverhouse

Bossier Parish Superintendent of Schools Mitch Downey announced his retirement effective December 31, capping nearly 40 years of service in a number of positions in the parish school system.

Downey’s announcement came during a Wednesday meeting of the parish school board.

“I’ve been blessed and I’m grateful for the opportunity the board has granted me. I’ve enjoyed my time being with people I’ve admired and respected,” he said in a brief statement to the board. “I hope in some small way I have been able to contribute.”

Downey is a graduate of the Bossier Parish school system who began his education career as a social studies teacher and coach at Bossier High School. He was named superintendent in April, 2019 after serving as assistant superintendent and interim superintendent for more than three years.

School Board attorney Jon Guice said Downey came to the post “…in a difficult time when the board needed solid leadership and he gave that.”

“You can walk away the envy of this region with your test scores, your finances and the manner in which you treat each other…the professional manner that starts with the leader and works its way down,” he told board members.

Guice outlined procedure for the board to follow as the search for Downey’s successor begins. State law requires a series of three advertisements must be run; first in the board’s official journal followed one week later by another in the newspaper with the largest circulation nearby. A third ad will then be run, again in the official journal.

A new superintendent cannot be hired until 30 days after the date the last advertisement runs around October 25, Guice said. Since that date would fall during the Thanksgiving holiday, a selection might come early in December.

Guice also suggested the board rent a post office box to receive applications.

“I’m confident you will have choices of people who will carry on that dignity and leadership that Mitch Downey has given,” Guice said.