MANSFIELD, LA — DeSoto Parish Schools is pleased to announce Russell Tabor, principal of North DeSoto Lower Elementary, as the 2026–2027 DeSoto Parish Principal of the Year. With 23 years in education, including 18 in DeSoto Parish Schools, Tabor has strengthened instruction, supported educators, and advanced student achievement throughout his career.
Tabor earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Louisiana Tech University in 2002, followed by a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from the university in 2006.
He began his career as a teacher at Homer Elementary in Claiborne Parish, where he served from 2003 to 2008. He joined DeSoto Parish Schools in 2008 as a first-grade teacher at North DeSoto Lower Elementary, where he taught until 2010 before serving as a master teacher from 2010 to 2013. During that time, he was named North DeSoto Lower Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2010–2011.
Tabor served as assistant principal at North DeSoto High School from 2013 to 2020. In 2020, he became principal of North DeSoto Lower Elementary, where he continues to lead today.
His accomplishments include exceptional campuswide literacy and math growth, successful implementation of the Leader in Me initiative, and development of The Little Steps to Big School initiative.
Under Tabor’s leadership, North DeSoto Lower Elementary has made substantial gains in early literacy. The percentage of students achieving proficiency on the DIBELS assessment increased from 75.6% in 2024–25 to 91.3% in 2025–26, a gain of 15.7 percentage points.
“Mr. Tabor’s commitment to early literacy and data-driven instruction has transformed learning at North DeSoto Lower Elementary,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “Under his leadership, NDLE has risen to the top of the state in literacy performance. His dedication to every child's success exemplifies the standard of high performance we strive for across DeSoto Parish Schools, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”
Over the same period, the percentage of students demonstrating growth rose from 76.2% to 83.8%, while the percentage demonstrating growth among students in the lowest-performing 25% increased from 60.5% to 72.5%. These gains reflect the collective work of school leadership, teachers, and students to strengthen foundational reading skills and prepare more children for continued academic success.
"We are thrilled to announce Mr. Tabor as Principal of the Year,” said Anesha Ross, Director of Administration for DeSoto Parish Schools. “Guided by a strong moral compass, he has anchored the ND community for years by consistently making choices in the best interest of our children. His visionary leadership is most evident in our tremendous literacy data—driving higher proficiency, accelerating overall student growth, and closing the gap for our highest-needs students. He is a remarkable educator and a true champion for student success.”
Tabor and his wife, Paige, have been married since 2003 and are the proud parents of three sons, all lifelong North DeSoto students. Lathan is a North DeSoto High School graduate, Landon is a high school senior, and Lawson is a high school sophomore.
“Being recognized as the DeSoto Parish Principal of the Year is a deeply humbling honor that I accept with immense gratitude,” Tabor said.
“While this recognition carries my name, it is truly a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication that fill the halls of North DeSoto Lower Elementary every single day. I am thrilled that this award spotlights our extraordinary students, whose curiosity and growth inspire us to stay focused on our mission. Our NDLE family's dedication has built a community where young learners can thrive, and I am proud to celebrate our shared accomplishments.”
As the district’s honoree, Tabor will represent DeSoto Parish Schools in the Louisiana Department of Education’s state-level Principal of the Year competition.