Ronnie Harvey Jr. is the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s new chief academic officer.

He is entering the role with over 20 years of education experience under his belt. He has held several leadership positions, including administrative director of special services and alternative programs and principal of Washington Marion High School. He also has alternative site administrative experience.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be able to move children forward as the new chief academic officer,” he said in a statement to The American Press. “We will continue building on the foundations we’ve already established, while also working to broaden horizons across the district. It’s important to ensure all of our students are on a level playing field, and I’m excited about what’s ahead for Calcasieu.”

Throughout his career, Harvey has been named the 2022 Louisiana High School Principal of the Year, National Association of Secondary School Principals State Principal of the Year and 2022 ASCD Emerging Leader.

He is a University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduate and holds a master’s degree from Louisiana College.

Harvey also represents District A on the Lake Charles City Council.

He is succeeding CPSB’s recently appointed Superintendent Jason VanMetre, who served as CAO for two years.