Superintendent names additional principals for three district campuses

Continuing efforts to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, Dr. T. Lamar Goree, Superintendent of Caddo Schools, announced on Monday the selection of three leaders to serve as principals.

               Dr. Goree selected 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, Principal, Claiborne Fundamental Elementary School

Sheila Holden-Lester currently serves as the instructional coordinator at Claiborne where she has worked hand-in-hand with teachers, staff and families as a key member of the school’s administration team.

“This is an awesome responsibility,” she said. “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.”

Holden-Lester is a veteran educator in Caddo Parish with 27 years of experience in education who has worked diligently to provide quality training and development for teachers to reach their full potential. She is a graduate of the National Institute for School Leadership.

Holden-Lester said she is eager to begin in her new role and to take on the tasks ahead.

“I know I will have challenges but I’m relying on my experiences to bring me through as well as my teachers and community because we have to do this together,” Holden-Lester said.

Bridget Bridges, Principal, North Highlands Elementary School

               Bridget Bridges believes the best schools begin with a family atmosphere and quality relationships with all stakeholders.

As the new principal of North Highlands Elementary School, Bridges is ready to get to work to build on the successes created under former principal Lynette Hampton and to take the school to the next level. Her experience includes service as the Principal of Mooretown Elementary and Caddo’s Executive Master Teacher through the district’s implementation of the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) model.

“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.

That growth can only happen when teachers are supported, according to Bridges.

“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,” she said.

Gregory O’Quinn, Interim Principal, Ridgewood Middle School

            Gregory O’Quinn is coming back home to the Raider Nation.

               The former Assistant Principal at Ridgewood Middle and Youree Drive Middle will serve as the Interim Principal at Ridgewood Middle School for the upcoming school year. O’Quinn’s experience includes building a school’s climate and culture while supporting quality teacher training and development.

               “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 who are ready to put in the work for student success.”