2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 55
BY SENATORS CATHEY, JACKSON AND MORRIS AND REPRESENTATIVES
ECHOLS AND GADBERRY
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend Dr. Don Coker, Ouachita Parish Superintendent upon his retirement and to
congratulate him for over thirty-five years of service in the field of education.
WHEREAS, Don Coker, a graduate of Louisiana Tech University earned his
bachelor's and master's degrees in Health and Physical Education, a master's plus 30 hours
in Administration and Supervision, and his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership; and
WHEREAS, upon obtaining his education he chose to enter the honorable profession
of teaching in Louisiana, specifically in the Ouachita Parish School System; and
WHEREAS, with the well-being of faculty, students, and the community always in
the forefront of his mind, many describe him as a gifted educational leader whose leadership
earned the district regional, statewide, and national recognition for best educational
practices; and
WHEREAS, he worked for over thirty-five years as an educator in the Ouachita
Parish School System, serving as a teacher and coach at West Ouachita High School,
transferring to principal at Calhoun Middle School, then serving as Director of Personnel and
Middle Schools, followed by a subsequent appointment as Assistant Superintendent before
his current appointment in July 2015 as Superintendent of Ouachita Parish Schools; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Coker has received a plethora of awards, such as Principal of the
Year and has been highly sought after to share his expertise and extraordinary insight on
various leadership committees and community boards which he served on; and
WHEREAS, as a member of New Chapel Hill Baptist Church, he serves as a Deacon
and the Sunday School Director; and
WHEREAS, at the recent Ouachita Parish School Board meeting, Dr. Coker
officially announced that he would be retiring on July 4, 2023, and added, "I'll be able to
remember that because that's Independence Day and it will be true independence when I
actually retire."; and
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WHEREAS, being married to his best friend and biggest supporter, Pat Richardson
Coker, maybe their new independence will allow them to spend more time traveling and
with their growing family; and
WHEREAS, future generations will be bereft of his educational leadership and many
past and current colleagues will greatly miss him; it is appropriate that Dr. Don Coker be
commended for his dedication to the field of education and for the countless lives he has
touched.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend Dr. Don Coker upon his retirement after a long and distinguished career in
education, does hereby record for posterity his noble accomplishments, and express
appreciation for his years of service to the citizens of Ouachita Parish and the people of
Louisiana, and does hereby extend to him best wishes during his "independence" time in
retirement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Dr. Don Coker.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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