DeSoto Parish Schools officially dedicated its Facilities and Operations Building in honor of the late Heith Parker during a ceremony held May 8, recognizing his decades of leadership and service to the district.

The newly named Heith Parker Facilities and Operations Building serves as a lasting tribute to Parker’s commitment to DeSoto Parish Schools and the impact he made on students, staff, campuses, and the community throughout his 26-year career.

District officials said Parker’s dedication, leadership, and focus on excellence helped shape the growth and development of school facilities across the parish while maintaining safe and effective learning environments for students and employees.

Parker began his career with DeSoto Parish Schools during the 1998–1999 school year as an Adult Education teacher and coach at North DeSoto High School, where he worked with both the football and baseball programs. He later served as a Physical Education teacher at North DeSoto Elementary and Middle School while continuing to mentor students through athletics and academics.

Over the final decade of his career, Parker served as Director of Facilities and Operations, overseeing campus improvements, construction projects, maintenance operations, and districtwide safety standards.

School leaders credited Parker with playing a major role in the evolution and modernization of district facilities throughout DeSoto Parish.

“This dedication honors a man who truly understood the mission of Making a Difference,” Superintendent Clay Corley said. “Heith Parker invested his heart and soul into this district, leaving a powerful legacy of service and commitment that will forever inspire the DeSoto Parish Schools family for years to come.”

Officials said the building dedication reflects not only Parker’s professional accomplishments, but also the compassion, work ethic, and leadership values he demonstrated throughout his life and career.

The district expressed gratitude for Parker’s years of service and said his legacy will continue inspiring future generations of educators, staff members, and students across DeSoto Parish Schools.