Patrick D. Jenkins was born on August 16, 1968, in Opelousas, La. He has been married to Charlene P. Jenkins for 31 years. He has three children, Javon, Kai, and Zuri, and three grandchildren. He is a 1986 graduate of Opelousas High School. Upon completing high school, he enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard/Reserves, where he served for over twenty-two years. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as an Engineering Officer in the 769th Engineer Battalion. He also served his community in times of crisis and natural disasters. During this time, he was named Louisiana National Guard Company Commander of the Year and retired at the rank of Major in 2013.
His pursuit of educational excellence did not end with a Bachelor of Science degree. He successfully pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1991. In 2000, Mr. Jenkins attained his Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Southern University.
Mr. Jenkins has experienced all levels of the academic spectrum, both within and outside the continental United States. He began his career as a mathematics and science teacher at Hines Middle School in Newport News, Virginia. He taught in East Baton Rouge Parish, West Feliciana Parish Schools, and for the Department of Defense in Italy. From 2003 to 2016, he served as an assistant principal, principal and director of operations during his tenure at Zachary Community School District.
Mr. Jenkins currently serves as the Superintendent of the St. Landry School Board, a position he has held for the past six years.
Past AASA Louisiana Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2022 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year: Wesley Watts
2021 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year: Sheldon Jones
2020 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year: Kelli Joseph
About the Award:
The Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
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- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement