By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — After 36 years in public education — including the last five as superintendent — Ricky Durrett was honored Thursday during a retirement ceremony celebrating a career that spanned nearly four decades of service to Lincoln Parish students, teachers and families.
Durrett, who has served as superintendent since 2021, was recognized by school board members, district administrators, educators, family members and community leaders for his leadership and commitment to the parish’s schools.
Superintendent-elect John Young praised Durrett’s legacy while presenting him with a recognition honoring his “36 years of sincere dedication, outstanding service and leadership to the students of Lincoln Parish.”
“Mr. Durrett has been here a long time, affecting the lives of so many kids and making a difference,” Young said. “That’s evidenced by the amount of people that showed up today. We definitely want to thank him for his service.
“We will take the torch that you lit and run with it. Thank y’all, everybody, for coming out and showing Mr. Durrett the love today. You can tell by the people that are here, you’re much appreciated. Thank you for everything that you did for me as well.”
Durrett reflected on his career by thanking the many people who helped make the district successful, emphasizing that any accomplishments during his tenure belonged to those working in classrooms and schools every day.
“The district is always successful by the people that you have working every day in the classroom and the schools,” Durrett said. “Many of you here are those people that did that through the years. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
He also expressed gratitude to his family, recognizing his parents, wife Polly, daughters, grandchildren and extended family members who attended the ceremony and closed by thanking the community for its support throughout his career.
“Just thank everybody for being there for our district and supporting us,” Durrett said. “We’ve had a lot of great people through the years.”
School board members also praised Durrett’s impact on Lincoln Parish education.
District 7 board member Hunter Smith described Durrett as “a true pillar in the history of Lincoln Parish education.”
“What a run … 36 years all in Lincoln Parish,” Smith said. “Ricky served our community with a servant’s heart and an educator’s mind. A true pillar in the history of Lincoln Parish education as a teacher, coach and administrator. He positively impacted more lives in one year than most people do in a lifetime. I’m grateful for his leadership, his friendship and his love for others.”
District 12 board member Debbie Abraham said she appreciated the opportunity to work alongside Durrett during his time as superintendent.
“He’s been an awesome superintendent, and I’ve enjoyed working with him for the last few years,” Abraham said.
District 5 board member Danny Hancock echoed that sentiment.
“I think he was a fantastic superintendent,” Hancock said. “I have a lot of respect for him.”
Durrett’s retirement marks the end of a 36-year career spent entirely in the Lincoln Parish School District, where he served as a teacher, coach, administrator and superintendent. Young will succeed him as superintendent, continuing the district’s leadership into the next chapter.
