2023-2024 ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP TEAM

David Claxton (Jackson Parish), President

• 1993-1999 Sp. Ed Teacher at Rayville Elementary School
• 1999-2003 Educational Assistant (Assistant Principal) at Rayville Elementary School
• 2003-2004 Principal at Delhi Elementary School
• 2004-2016 Principal at Sallie Humble Elementary School (Monroe City)

Dr. Ken Oertling (St. Charles Parish), Vice President

• 2019-present Superintendent, St. Charles Parish Public Schools
• 2015-2019 Executive Director Secondary Schools, St. Charles Parish Public Schools
• 2010-2015 Principal, Hahnville High School
• 2006- 2010 Assistant Principal, Hahnville High School
• 2001-2006 High School Science Teacher, Hahnville High School
• 1991-1997 United States Navy

Jeff Powell (Rapides Parish), Secretary/Tresurer  

Mr. Powell began his teaching career in Grant Parish. He then moved into various administrative roles in Rapides Parish before becoming the Director of Middle and Magnet Programs in the district. Mr. Powell took the position of Chief Academic Officer in Iberville parish before returning home to serve as the Superintendent of Rapides Parish in 2019.

Mr. Powell graduated from Northwood High School and has been a resident of Rapides parish for over 27 years. He served in the Louisiana Army National Guard for six years and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from LSU in Baton Rouge. He then earned his Teacher Certification and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University.

Mr. Powell is active in the operations of LASS, serves on several boards that serve his community, and has been a two-time winner of Regional Superintendent of the Year.

His innovative leadership style has brought Rapides Parish Public Schools to their highest achievement levels under the state’s current accountability system. Mr. Powell’s intentional work to expand literacy outreach efforts, workforce development plans, and student achievement have all contributed to his positive impact in our community and around our state.

Sheldon Jones, (Richland), Immediate Past-President

• 1996-2004 ELA Teacher and Coach at Delhi Middle School
• 2004-2005 Assistant Principal at Rayville Elementary School
• 2006-2007 Principal at Delhi Middle School
• 2007-2011 Secondary Curriculum Supervisor