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Association Leadership
President
Jeff Powell, Superintendent, Rapides Parish Schools
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.
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.
Vice President
Tommy Byler, Superintendent, Vermilion Parish Public Schools
Mr. Byler was named the Superintendent of Schools in Vermilion Parish in August of 2020. He previously served as the principal of North Vermilion High School. Byler previously served the district as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal in his 33 year career. In 2018, Byler was named the Louisiana State Principal of the Year. In his role as a principal he also served as the president of the Louisiana Association of Principals and as the Vice-President to the LHSAA Executive Committee.
Byler was recognized in his role as a Superintendent as the Region IV and V Superintendent and the Louisiana 4-H Superintendent of the year. He has served on the Superintendent's Advisory Committee, Accountability Task Force and Future of Leap Test Committee.
Secretary/Treasurer
Todd Guice, Superintendent, Ouachita Parish Schools
Todd Guice took office as Superintendent of the Ouachita Parish School System in July 2023. Prior to that appointment, he served the system as Assistant Superintendent and Personnel Director, following 13 years as Principal of Ouachita Parish High School and Ouachita Jr. High School. Todd is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education and his master’s degree and master’s +30 in Educational Leadership.
During his tenure in the system, Mr. Guice has won several awards for leadership and served in various capacities in the district and in leadership roles in state organizations including serving as President of the LHSAA. He has been a requested presenter at the state and national level. He serves his community in various capacities of community organizations always looking for ways to help.
Immediate Past President
Dr. Ken Oertling, Superintendent, St. Charles Parish Public Schools
Dr. Ken Oertling is a former Submarine Electronics Technician/Radioman of the United States Navy and Education Service Officer while serving aboard the U.S.S. Groton from 1991 to 1997 where he received numerous medals, including Sailor of the Year. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Teaching and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University. In 2001, he began his teaching and coaching career at Hahnville High School, where he taught physical science and biology and coached multiple sports. He eventually ascended to assistant principal and then principal, where he received awards such as Louisiana High School Principal of the Year and Louisiana Association of Principals Principal of the Year in 2015. In 2018, he received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University.
In 2019, he was appointed Superintendent of St. Charles Parish Public Schools where he holds various regional and state-level leadership positions, including Past President of the South Central Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and current Immediate Past President of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents & Administrators. He also serves on several state and local organizations including the River Parishes Community Development Corporation, River Parish Chamber of Commerce, St. Charles Parish Economic Development Committee, LSU Ag Center Leadership Council, United Way of St. Charles Campaign Chair, Rotary of St. Charles, BESE’s State Superintendent’s Advisory Council and the Louisiana Senate Early Literacy Commission, and St. John the Baptist Parish Council.
Executive Director (Elect)
David Claxton
Daivd Claxton has dedicated over 30 years to public education. He started his teaching career as a Special Education Teacher. He then transitioned to Assistant Principal then Principal, before serving as Jackson Parish Superintendent for the past 9 years. He has also served for four years in the state office of the LASS (Louisiana Association of School Superintendents) organization, holding positions from Secretary to Immediate Past President, before retiring on June
30 of this year.
Executive Director
Mike Faulk
Mike Faulk serves as Executive Director for the Louisiana Association of School Superintentdents & Administrators. Faulk previously served as president of the association, when he was Superintendent of Schools in Morehouse Parish.
As Executive Director, he represents superintendents and administrators in matters dealing with the governor and BESE. He also testifies before the various committees of the legislature on education matters.
