The Jeff Davis Parish School Board has named Benjamin “Ben” Oustalet as its new assistant superintendent.

Oustalet, who is currently a curriculum supervisor, was appointed to the position Thursday.

The position became available in March with the appointment of former assistant superintendent John Hall as superintendent-elect. Hall will replace  Superintendent Kirk Credeur who will retire in July.

“I am very excited and proud of him,” Credeur said in making the announcement. “He has worked very hard and deserves this.”

Outstalet has been in education for 22 years working in both Jeff Davis and Calcasieu parishes where he worked as a teacher, coach, principal and assistant principal.

He has served as curriculum supervisor for the Jeff Davis Parish School Board since 2019 and is the former child welfare, attendance and transportation supervisor.

“I am excited to serve a great parish in this new position and to support Mr. Hall as we move into this next chapter,” Oustalet said.

“I’ve been blessed to have an opportunity to serve in various capacities – first working at Jennings High (School), then coming to the central office and working in child welfare and transportation, then moving over to the curriculum side of things. I feel like I have been fortunate to do tasks within the school system that will come to my aid in this new role and it’s always good when you have the support around you.”

Oustalet said he is ready to face the challenges ahead including promoting t careers in education and recruiting new teachers.

“Our parish has been blessed with outstanding teachers, but we are at some vital times that we have to get quality people in our classrooms to teach our kids,” he said.

After interruptions from COVID and two hurricanes, Oustalet said students need to get back to focusing on education in the classroom.

“If in our schools we have excitement, energy and passion we will get out kids coming out of these trying times in a positive manner,” he said.

The district must also work to cultivate leadership within the parish to encourage more teachers to want to serve as supervisors and administrators, he s