The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) is pleased to announce the appointment of several inaugural leadership positions throughout the district.
Mr. Nicholas Jeffers-Chief Operations Officer
Nicholas Jeffers has been appointed as the chief operations officer. In his new role, Jeffers will be responsible for overseeing the risk management department, high school athletics, school safety, and transportation.
Beginning his career with LPSS in August 2002 as a physical education teacher and head girls' basketball coach, Jeffers brings a wealth of experience to his new position. During his tenure, he also served as an assistant coach for football, softball, and track & field at Ovey Comeaux High School. From 2010 to 2012, Jeffers contributed as an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Returning to LPSS in August 2012, Jeffers assumed the role of a teacher and head girls' basketball coach at Acadiana High School until the end of the 2014-2015 school year. He then transitioned to coaching the boys' basketball team at Acadiana High School, maintaining this position until the 2018-2019 school year. During this time, Jeffers also served as the athletic director at Acadiana High School from 2016 to 2019.
In the summer of 2019, Jeffers took on the role of director of athletics, health & physical education for LPSS, a position he held for the past four years before assuming his current role as chief operations officer.
Jeffers earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health & Kinesiology from UL Lafayette in Spring 2002 and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from McNeese State University in Spring 2014.
Mr. Robert Gautreaux-Director of Construction, Facilities, & Maintenance
Serving as the district’s director of construction, facilities, and maintenance is Mr. Robert Gautreaux, a 22 year veteran of the Lafayette Parish School System. His comprehensive background includes 15 years of teaching agriscience, shop, and construction classes at Comeaux High, followed by an additional four years at Southside High School. Gautreaux has served as an assistant principal at W.D. and Mary Baker Smith Career Center for three years.
In his new role, Gautreaux expresses gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the Lafayette Parish School System's mission, “I am committed to providing students with a safe and well-maintained
environment," pledges Gautreaux. Drawing on his proficiency in working collaboratively in leadership capacities, Gautreaux strives for top-notch facilities that benefit both educators and students alike.
Notable achievements include being honored as the 2016 Teacher of the Year for Comeaux High School and receiving the COX Sports Teacher of the Year award in the same year. Additionally, Gautreaux was recognized as the 2016 Acadiana Hero of the Year.
Gautreaux holds a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Education from UL Lafayette and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. He also holds an elected position on the St. Landry Parish School Board.
Mr. Jared LeBlanc-Director of School Safety and Physical Education
Jared LeBlanc, a distinguished education professional with 23 years of dedicated service, has been appointed as director of school safety and physical education.
Throughout his career, LeBlanc contributed significantly to high school education. For 12 years he served as an educator in the areas of social studies and physical education. His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he coached basketball, baseball, and football, leaving a mark on both academics and athletics.
In November 2013, LeBlanc embraced a new challenge, accepting the position of assistant principal at Acadiana High School. Over the last decade, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to educational advancement within the school community.
LeBlanc earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Master of Education degree from McNeese State University.