Caddo Names 3 School Principals

3 local schools will have new school leaders as we move closer toward the start of this bizarre 2020-2021 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Lamar Goree has chosen Sheila Holden-Lester, Bridget Bridges and Gregory O’Quinn to lead Claiborne Fundamental Elementary School, North Highlands Elementary School and Ridgewood Middle School, respectively.

Sheila Holden-Lester has been the instructional coordinator at Claiborne where she "worked hand-in-hand with teachers, staff and families as a key member of the school’s administration team."  Holden-Lester says “This is an awesome responsibility. I’m so excited to continue growing the students at Claiborne. I’m there to help the teachers succeed and to help the students grow to be productive citizens.��� She has more than 25 years of education experience.

Bridges takes over at North Highlands Elementary School. She has previously served as principal at Mooretown Elementary which is being closed. Bridges has also worked s Caddo's Executve Master Teacher helping train other teachers.

She takes the helm from former principal Lynette Hampton. “I am excited to build on the momentum created under Lynette’s great leadership and take that work and push it forward to grow students,” Bridges said. She adds: “I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do whatever it takes to meet teachers and students wherever they are and provide those opportunities to excel.”

O’Quinn takes over as Interim Principal at Ridgewood Middle School

He's a former assistant principal at Ridgewood and he's also been assistant principal at Youree Drive Middle School. He's been appointed to serve as the leader for this coming school year.

“I feel like I never really left Ridgewood,” O’Quinn said. “A piece of me was always there and it’s time to come back home to a great team of students and staff."