Board Honors Campbell for BEEF Endowment

The Bossier Parish School Board recognized former state senator Foster Campbell for helping create the fund that has supported local schools since 1985.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Administration

A weathered red-brick schoolhouse wall beside a tall pine and live oak over an empty schoolyard lawn in late-afternoon light. — Bossier Parish School Board recognized former state senator Foster Campbell on Thursday for helping create the Bossier Educational Excellence Fund, which has generated roughly $20 million for local schools since 1985. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Bossier Parish School Board recognized Foster Campbell on Thursday, November 5, 2026, for 50 years of public service. Campbell helped create the Bossier Educational Excellence Fund (BEEF) in 1985 with a $500,000 investment.

Why it matters

The BEEF endowment, now estimated at $70 million to $80 million, has generated roughly $20 million in interest for the school district since its creation. Its earnings are structured to support educational purposes rather than administrative, custodial, maintenance or capital expenses.

BEEF began in 1985 with a $500,000 investment and has grown to an estimated $70 million to $80 million endowment. The fund has generated approximately $20 million in interest for the district, including about $2 million this year.

The players

Foster Campbell

Former Louisiana state senator and retiring Louisiana Public Service Commissioner who helped create the Bossier Educational Excellence Fund.

Bossier Parish School Board

The elected governing body overseeing public schools in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

Edwin Edwards

Former Louisiana governor to whom Campbell appealed to dedicate Louisiana Downs tax revenue to the BEEF endowment.

The details

Campbell, a former Louisiana state senator and retiring Louisiana Public Service Commissioner, urged then-Gov. Edwin Edwards to dedicate tax revenue from Louisiana Downs to a perpetual endowment for Bossier Parish schools. Later legislation expanded BEEF's funding to include state revenue from Bossier City casinos. The board recognized him during its regular meeting at the Bossier Instructional Center on Airline Drive.

1985: BEEF fund created with a $500,000 investment.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Board recognizes Foster Campbell at its regular meeting.
Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, 2026: Previously scheduled board meetings canceled.
Dec. 10, 2026: Added board meeting date.
January 2027: Board meeting start time moves from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Legacy Funding

The recognition revisits the 1985 creation of BEEF, which was funded from Louisiana Downs tax revenue and later expanded to include Bossier City casino revenue. The endowment's growth to an estimated $70 million to $80 million shows how a perpetual dedicated fund can compound over four decades.

Residents can see the board's rescheduled meeting dates, with Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 canceled and Dec. 10 added. Starting January 2027, regular meetings will begin at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.

The takeaway

Long-term dedicated funding can compound substantially, as the BEEF endowment's growth from $500,000 to an estimated $70 million to $80 million demonstrates. Community members interested in school finances can follow board meetings for updates on how earnings are applied.