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Published Dec. 16, 2020

By Asja Jordan

Office of Marketing and Communications

University of Louisiana Monroe alumnus Sheldon Jones, superintendent of the Richland Parish School District, has received the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents highest honor, being named the 2021 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year. The award was announced at the association's fall conference in November in Baton Rouge.

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PHOTO:听Sheldon Jones, superintendent of the Richland Parish School District, was named 2021 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year by the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. Jones said the education he received at the University of Louisiana Monroe equipped him to be a successful educator for more than 24 years.

Sid Gaulee/网曝门 Photo Services

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Jones received his Master of Education from 网曝门 and spoke highly of its impact on his career.

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"网曝门 equipped me with the pedagogy as well as the clinical and field experiences needed to be a successful educator," said Jones.

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Jones said he actively lived the quote, "To lead, one must first learn to follow," during his time at 网曝门. He attributes his success in leadership to his professors, mentors, and peers.

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"Dr. Otis K. LoVette served as my mentor and heavily influenced my leadership style. I also developed a professional network with classmates who now serve in a variety of leadership roles," he said.

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Jones is serving his 10th year as superintendent in Richland Parish. He has been an educator for more than 24 years. His passion for education and persistence in his field has helped fuel his success in this position.

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"I've been a superintendent longer than any position I've held as a public-school educator. Few educators can say that. While experience is not the main or only factor for success, it simply cannot be replaced," he said.

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As a superintendent, Jones' job has its own unique sets of successes and challenges, as the position oversees the school system's day-to-day operations.

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"I am humbled by the experience and most excited for those who have an opportunity to share in the honor," he said. "I am committed to using this award as a platform to promote public education in Richland Parish and Northeast Louisiana. Our children are our most valuable resource."

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He believes and lives by the power of advocacy, opportunity, and thoughtful leadership.

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"As educators, we must be advocates for our students and a voice for the voiceless. Our children have one opportunity to receive a quality education. They are counting on us to make the best decisions for them," Jones said.

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听In October, Jones was named 2021 Superintendent of the Year for Region VIII, which has 16 school districts in Northeast Louisiana. Jones was chosen for the state honor from fellow regional finalists from DeSoto, Evangeline, Sabine, West Baton Rouge, and Orleans parishes.听

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Each year, LASS acknowledges outstanding performance and achievement by superintendents in various regions across Louisiana.

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Jones goes on to the 2021 National Superintendent of the Year sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators, AIG Retirement Services, and First Student. AASA will recognize state and national winners in February.