I am a lifelong resident of Pleasant Hill and a 1977 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School. My wife, Marian Bell, is a Pleasant Hill High School graduate of 1980. We have been married for 40 years and have three children, two of which are educators. I retired as an agriculture teacher after 40 years, 37 of those I spent teaching at Ebarb High School. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from Louisiana Tech University in 1981. I began my teaching career at Stanley high School where I taught three years. I then moved to Ebarb High School where I became the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. I continued my education during my teaching career earning a master’s degree in 1998 from Northwestern State University. I also added my areas of certification including general science, mathematics, principalship, and parish supervisor of instruction.
Having a masters degree meant I could move out of the classroom and into an administration position, which is what most people would do. I loved the classroom and working with the students, so I never felt the need to move into administration. My years in the classroom were very rewarding. I enjoyed the interaction and felt rewarded daily in this position. I became a mentor for countless students. My focus was always to help students navigate high school and to develop skills that would make them successful in life. Throughout my career I have not only made an impact on students’ lives but I have made many lifelong friends in former students. My years as a teacher have brought many great honors. I was named Teacher of the Year multiple times, earned the American FFA Honorary Degree on the national level, participated as a member of the state FFA Executive Committee and as state president of the Louisiana Agricultural Teacher Association. Most importantly, my students’ achievements on the state and national level show the impact I had as a teacher. My students were successful at the national level, earning rewards for national agronomy and proficiency awards, along with several others despite coming from a small school setting. I have held many leadership roles throughout my teaching career. I have been a buddy teacher, school representative, director of the state children’s barnyard and many other organizations and activities. In recent years after retiring, I have continued to volunteer my time and work with students as a coach of shooting sports for YHEC and Sabine Parish 4-H.
I have been a member of many professional organizations throughout my career. I maintained membership throughout my career in the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE), Louisiana Agriculture Teacher Association (LATA), Louisiana Association of Career and Technical Educators (LACTE), and the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE). I have held leadership roles with these organizations throughout my career.
I am not running for a seat on the Sabine Parish School Board with the goal of achieving a political agenda. My goals are to listen and use my experience as an educator, leader and community member to improve our district and promote the success of our students. I will do this by empowering our educators, parents and students for a future that results in a more productive society and the betterment of our community. I would welcome the opportunity to use my skills and experience to serve District Nine.