Mansfield, Louisiana — The DeSoto Parish School System is proud to announce that Ms. Anesha Ross, Principal of Mansfield High School, has been named one of nine finalists for the 2026 Principal of the Year award by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Under Ms. Ross' leadership, Mansfield High School achieved its highest-ever School Performance Score (SPS) of 97.5 in the 2022-2023 school year. The school maintained its "A" rating with an improved SPS of 98.7 for 2023-2024, reflecting significant academic growth. Notably, SPS increased in five of the six core high school assessment areas, earning Mansfield High School recognition as a Top Gains School and recipient of the Opportunity Badge from LDOE.
“Advancing as a 2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalist is a significant milestone and a reflection of Ms. Ross’s continued leadership excellence, deep commitment to student success, and lasting impact on the Mansfield High School community,” said Mr. Brandon Burback, Director of Administration.
“Ms. Ross exemplifies what it means to be a transformative leader,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “Her committed focus on student success, ability to inspire excellence among her team, and commitment to building a positive, high-performing school culture have elevated Mansfield High School to new heights. Being named a finalist for Louisiana Principal of the Year is a well-deserved honor that reflects her extraordinary impact on our district and the lives of our students.”
Ms. Ross's journey within DeSoto Parish Schools is a testament to her dedication and passion for education. She was honored as the 2005-2006 DeSoto Parish Student of the Year and later as the 2013-2014 DeSoto Parish Teacher of the Year. Her career in education is defined by excellence in leadership, including key roles such as Career and Mentor Teacher at Mansfield Middle School (2010-2014), Master Teacher at Mansfield High School (2014-2016), and Assistant Principal at North DeSoto High School (2016-2020). In July 2020, she returned to Mansfield High School as Principal, where she continues to lead with a focus on academic achievement and positive school culture.
Beyond school leadership, Ms. Ross has played a crucial role in fostering student and teacher development. She facilitated Educators' Rising as Assistant Principal, guided the Upward Bound Trio program as Principal, and collaborated with Northwestern State University to support summer learning initiatives. Her dedication to supporting new educators is evident through her work as a Master Teacher, inducting new teachers into the DeSoto Parish school system.
“Being named a 2026 Louisiana Principal of The Year Finalist is a huge blessing. I pray that I represent Mansfield and DeSoto Parish well,” said Ms. Anesha Ross. “I view it as a privilege to serve others, so I share this recognition with our students, staff, families and community members. Wolverine STRONG!”
“I am beyond humbled to receive this honor on behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of Mansfield High School,” said Ross. “They are so deserving. The hard work that takes place behind the scenes is now being seen and recognized publicly. There are no words to express how proud I am! It’s a wonderful time to be a Wolverine!”
All semi finalists and finalists will be honored at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 26, 2025. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.