The Riverdale Academy Board has selected a new principal and new head football coach for the school. Riverdale’s board acted quickly to fill these positions that became vacant at the end of this school year.

Riverdale President Will Almond told The Journal the board met on Tuesday June 5th and made the appointments. Almond said “The new Principal is Dr. Robert Peters. He lives at Fairview and has about 40 years experience in education. Peters has been a teacher and school administrator.”

The new head Football Coach is Jared Barber. Almond said, “Barber has a background coaching in Shreveport and schools in Texas. He is a resident of Shreveport.”

Jamie Lawrence retired as Riverdale Principal at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Almond said “Jamie did so many good things for Riverdale. She brought the school to where we are now.” Lawrence told The Journal, “Now that I am retired, I will have time to work around my place and do nothing but relax for a while.”

Former Football Coach Jared Smelser also left the school at the end of the year. Almond said, “I hold Coach Smelser in high regard. He was a good coach for Riverdale, and I predict he will have a very successful future in coaching. I wish him all the best with his upcoming wedding (June 23rd) and the couple’s future.”

Both Peters and Barber will be getting to work in the immediate future.