The new school has started or is preparing to start for students in Washington Parish.
Bogalusa City Schools had their first day of classes last Friday, August 1.
Bowling Green School began its classes on Monday, August 4.
Ben’s Ford Christian School had its first day of classes on Thursday, August 7.
And the Washington Parish Schools had their first day of classes on Thursday of this week, August 7.
School administrators throughout the parish reported no problems with the return to classes.
Bowling Green is opening its 2025-2026 school year with a new head of school, Kim Burris, a 1997 BGS graduate who has been both a teacher and the high school level principal at the school.
For the Washington Parish Schools, which opened 2025-2026 classes on Thursday, all systems are “go”, said Superintendent Jennifer Thomas. She oversees the system’s 10 schools that have a total of slightly more than 4,500 students.
“Our buildings are prepped, our teachers are energized, and we’re excited to welcome students back for what promises to be a fantastic school year,”said Mrs. Thomas.
She noted that all of the system’s principals from last year are returning this year. “We have strong leadership in place,” she said, “and we’re hitting the ground running.”
Mrs. Thomas said she is especially proud of the system’s existing teachers, as well as being pleased with the quality of the new teachers who are coming aboard.
She is asking parents to be patient as a new bus route efficiency program takes place.
“If you haven’t heard from your bus driver yet, please reach out to confirm pickup and drop-off details. In Franklinton specifically, buses will now stop at Franklinton High School before heading to Franklinton Elementary. We’ll be sharing updated bus and parent drop-off/pickup maps for both schools on our social media pages to make this transition as smooth as possible.”
Also, Mrs. Thomas said, “Another exciting update this year is that all four high schools will now operate on the same bell schedule, allowing us to expand learning opportunities across the parish through VIP courses. These courses are taught live from one school and accessed by students at others.”
"For example, Mr. Jody Bruton at Franklinton High School will teach physics to students parish-wide. This allows us to offer more rigorous and diverse coursework to all students, no matter where they attend school.”
The superintendent added, “We’re also continuing to expand our career and technical education programs, and we’re working toward a long-term vision of creating a Career Center right here in Washington Parish. It’s an exciting goal that would provide even more opportunities for our students to graduate college or career ready.”
Finally, Mrs. Thomas said, “We’re thrilled to launch our new Superintendent’s Advisory Council, which will bring together voices from every level ---- teachers, staff, students, parents, business owners, and community members --- to help guide and support our district’s strategic plan. This is a first for Washington Parish and a powerful step forward in building a shared vision for success.”
In all four districts or individual schools, Washington Parish Schools, Bogalusa City Schools, Bowling Green School, andBen’s Ford School, there is obvious excitement and optimism about the new school year.
For those who don’t yet have school age children or whose children have already graduated, please join all of the parents of students in being as safe as possible when driving in school zones and around school buses.
