On Oct. 29, St. Charles Parish Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ken Oertling got the news.
The Louisiana Association of School Superintendents named him as the 2025 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year. He is now in the running for the title of National Superintendent of the Year.
“It was unexpected,” Oertling said. “But when you look at how we have grown and continue to grow as a school system, the team deserves such distinction.”
Oertling, who was appointed superintendent of St. Charles Parish Public Schools in 2019, said the award represents the hard work of the entire school system. He said he learned from those who came before him and from his peers, including Barbara Fuselier, Lorel Gonzales, Stephen Weber, Erin Granier, Dr. Rodney Lafon, and Felecia Gomez Walker.
“I feel fortunate to have been influenced by many outstanding leaders in the St. Charles Parish Public Schools,” Oertling said. “Any success or recognition that I receive is a result of the hard work of my executive team and the dedicated educators throughout our school system.”
Oertling began teaching in the parish in 2001, when he joined the faculty at Hahnville High School to teach physical science and biology. He said he discovered his passion for education as a member of the U.S. Navy aboard the submarine U.S.S. Groton.
“I often found myself helping to teach incoming sailors on the various systems we used,” Oertling said. “It was during these sessions that I realized my genuine passion for teaching.”
After his six years of service, Oertling earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Southeastern Louisiana University. Then he moved to the parish, where he met his wife, Kelli, who is now the principal of Lakewood Elementary.
In 2015, Oertling was named Louisiana High School Principal of the Year, and in 2016 he was promoted to Executive Director of Secondary Schools. He earned his doctorate in education leadership in 2018.
Oertling said he uses the acronym ICE to describe his leadership style, which stands for invest, communicate and engage. He said he strives to invest time, resources and energy in schools, teachers and students; communicate openly and frequently with all stakeholders; and engage all stakeholders in the community.
“By applying this ICE approach, we create an environment where stakeholders feel valued, understand our decision-making process, and recognize our focus on what is best for our students,” he said.
He said the growth of student achievement benchmarks over the last five years shows the commitment of educators, support staff, the school board and community partners to the success of the school system. St. Charles Parish Public Schools now ranks No. 1 in K-3 student literacy, and the school system ranked No. 5 in 2025 LEAP results.
“I am particularly proud of how our system, team, and community banded together to overcome the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida,” Oertling said.
Oertling said public education in Louisiana faces unique challenges, including funding disparities and increased attacks on public education’s value and role.
“These issues impact our schools, teachers, and, most importantly, our students,” he said. “Public schools are essential because education is fundamental to building a healthy, informed and productive society. They operate on the principle that every child, regardless of their background, income, or location, deserves access to quality education.”
