Michael Melerine seeks northwestern Louisiana seat on state's top public school board

Greg Hilburn
Shreveport Times
Michael Melerine

Republican Shreveport attorney Michael Melerine will run for northwestern Louisiana's seat on the state's top governing board for public schools.

Melerine is seeking to replace current Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education District 4 member Tony Davis, R-Natchitoches, who is resigning his seat effective Jan. 20 because of expanding career job responsibilities.

Melerine joins Republican Winnfield business woman Shelly McFarland in the race.

“All children, regardless of circumstances, should be given the opportunity to obtain a quality education,” Melerine said in a statement. “If we provide our children with a quality education then they will have a chance to succeed, which will, in turn, benefit all of Louisiana for generations to come.

“My parents not only preached the importance of obtaining a good education, but also sacrificed to ensure I could obtain the best education possible.”

District 4 covers Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Vernon, Webster and Winn parishes.

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Melerine is a member of the Seabaugh & Sepulvado law firm. State Rep. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, is a partner in the firm.

Qualifying for the March 20 special election is Jan. 20-22.

The 11-member Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is comprised of eight elected members and three members appointed by the governor.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.