The DeSoto Parish School Board announced the resignation of District 6 Board Member Coday Johnston, at their November 7th board meeting, who has stepped down to assume a new role on the DeSoto Parish Police Jury in District 1-C. Johnston’s departure fills the seat left vacant by the passing of Mr. Keith Parker. Nearing the end of his term limits with the School Board, Johnston has been a dedicated leader and influential figure in the advancement of DeSoto Parish Schools. Johnston was elected in 2010 at 25 years old, making him one of the youngest school board members in the state of Louisiana.
Johnston began his service on the School Board in January 2011 and has since served three full terms. His tenure has been marked by strategic oversight and leadership roles, including multiple appointments as Board President. His timeline of service includes:
1st Term: January 2011
2nd Term: January 2015
3rd Term: January 2019 (Resigned November 2024)
4th Term: Started 4th term in January 2023- (Resigned November 2024)
During his years as a board member, Johnston took on essential roles and responsibilities:
Finance Committee Member: 2012, 2013
Board President: 2014, 2015, 2023
Louisiana School Board Association Board of Directors Member
Johnston’s commitment to District 6 led to significant milestones in the enhancement of school facilities. In 2021, voters in District No. 3, under his representation, passed a bond proposal focused on addressing capital improvements updates to Stanley High School, including upgrades to athletic fields, parking, and classroom spaces. This project’s ongoing developments will soon include the opening of a new Student Activity Center, a multipurpose venue set to host athletic events, assemblies, community gatherings, and graduations.
Reflecting on his departure, Johnston shared, “This is a bittersweet day, as I step away from a role I’ve loved and devoted over a third of my life to. With two years left of my final term, it felt right to begin the transition, and Mr. Parker’s passing opened an opportunity to serve my district in the Police Jury seat once held by my grandfather, J.O. Burch. I am immensely grateful to our exceptional teachers and staff and will miss my interactions with students, watching them grow into young adults. Stanley will always be my home, and I look forward to this new chapter of service. Thank you all for your support and memories.”
“The DeSoto Parish School Board expresses its gratitude to Johnston for his years of dedicated service and committed support for the educational progress in DeSoto Parish, said Superintendent Clay Corley. His leadership has helped shape a legacy of community-focused improvements that will benefit generations of students and families.”
A special meeting will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 3:30 PM at the DeSoto Parish School Board Administration Building to accept applications for the now-vacant District 6 seat. The Board invites eligible individuals to apply, continuing the important work Johnston has led for District 6 and DeSoto Parish as a whole. Interested parties should send a letter of interest by email to clay.corley@desotopsb.com. Letters of interest should be submitted by Wednesday, November 20, 2024.