JSCLA Moves Forward
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
It’s an era of new beginnings for J.S. Clark Leadership Academy, as the Opelousas state charter school has hired a new head football coach and embarked with a new campus construction project.
JSCLA CEO Tiffanie Lewis said the school is expanding a presence both in the Opelousas area and beyond in both academics and athletics.
Clark recently announced the hiring of Jestin Kelly Sr., who Lewis said is expected to continue building the football program, which is a year away from competing for district and postseason football honors in Class 1A.
Heavy equipment, Lewis said, has also started work on building a new school campus for sixth through 12th grades on La. 357, just several miles south of the current school site on Statesman Road in Opelousas.
J.S. Clark Football
Kelly brings sufficient coaching experience to Clark, which will play another junior varsity schedule in 2025.
“We’re rebuilding football and this ithe type of situation where I wanted to be. I’m happy to be here and get to know the community,” Kelly said.
Kelly recently coached running backs at Grambling University. Kelly also has high school coaching experience at Livonia and Istrouma.
The athletic program at Clark has been state-recognized in other sports and Kelly likes the possibility that the successes in basketball and track will help solidify the direction of his football program.
Clark has won state championships in Class B boys track, played for a 2023 state Class B boys basketball title and captured a championship in girls’ basketball.
“I think we’re ready to play (LHSAA football) now. There is a good athletic tradition here already. In football right now we have a good group of 10th graders and a small number of juniors and seniors. We have the athletes here to be competitive,” said Kelly.
Kelly recently completed spring football at Clark and now the Bulldogs will spend time working during the summer, with a new strength and conditioning coach and plan.
Academically
J.S. Clark principal Victor Lewis said the new school construction scheduled to be completed by August, 2026, includes 16 acres.
In November, 2023, the school held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site, which covers 73 acres.
Victor Lewis said the new school is large enough to accommodate 750 students. In addition to the classrooms, the school will include a bandroom, gym and concert hall.
J.S. Clark, which has students in all grade levels, has a waiting list of about 100, said Victor Lewis.
“Right now we’re bringing in students not just from Opelousas. I’ve been running buses from Ville Platte. We have students on campus now who are from the Lawtell and Eunice areas and there are also some students now that are coming from Lafayette,” said Victor Lewis.
