Mitch Downey is a lifelong educator, devoting his entire 37-year career to Bossier Schools. He realized his ultimate dream in April 2019 when he was named Superintendent of the fastest growing public school district in north Louisiana after serving in the role as Assistant Superintendent and Interim Superintendent for over three years.

A proud graduate of Bossier Schools and district success story, Downey began his career in education as a social studies teacher and coach at Bossier High School, then worked his way up the administrative ladder at several schools. His final stop before moving into a district role was at Benton High School, where Downey was principal for four years and affectionately referred to as “Principal Awesome” by many students.

Building on the positive relationships formed over the past three decades, Downey is a firm believer in collaborative leadership with educators and community stakeholders. His focus is on the empowerment of teachers and principals, with the belief that if every decision made is based on what is best for students, then everything else falls into place.

Downey first planted roots in Bossier Parish when his father was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base and his mother worked for the district as a Title I paraprofessional. After retiring, his parents made Bossier their forever home.

Mitch Downey’s love for Bossier has only grown, as well as his family’s footprint in the community. He and his wife, Sharon, have four children who all attended Bossier Schools, and have been blessed with nine grandchildren.