Superintendent

Jeff Powell has served as Superintendent of Rapides Parish Public Schools since 2019, returning home to lead the district where he spent much of his career. He began as a teacher in Grant Parish before moving into administrative roles in Rapides Parish, eventually becoming Director of Middle and Magnet Programs. He went on to serve as Chief Academic Officer in Iberville Parish before coming back to Rapides.

Under his leadership, the district has reached its highest achievement levels under the state's current accountability system. Mr. Powell understands the link between a strong public school system and a thriving community, and he leads accordingly: bringing teachers, families, business leaders, and elected officials together under a shared vision of uniting for positive outcomes across the parish. His work to expand literacy outreach, build workforce development pathways, and raise student achievement continues to shape both the district and the state.

Mr. Powell currently serves on the Southern Regional Education Board, appointed by Governor Jeff Landry. He's the immediate past-president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and Administrators.

Locally, he sits on several boards and is a two-time Regional Superintendent of the Year.

A resident of Rapides Parish for more than 27 years, Mr. Powell is a graduate of Northwood High School and served six years in the Louisiana Army National Guard. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from LSU and earned his Teacher Certification and Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University.