Dear EBRPSS Supporters,

If you have followed the news at all, then you are aware of ll the expensive and long process that has gone into selecting  a new superintendent for EBRPSS. After hiring a consulting firm, giving community members a false sense of inclusion in the process, requiring 17 candidates to submit resumes and videos etc, our School Board still has not appointed a permanent superintendent. 

What is worse is that they now will interview a NEW candidate and vote on Wednesday. 

Faculty, staff, and parents have spoken and written countless times in support of Adam Smith, our Interim Superintendent. Many community members have gone on record praising Smith. However, all of these voices were ignored and Smith  was publicly evaluated by four Board members who now face a recall:  Belle, Martin, Rust, and Soule. Earlier this month, Board President Carla Powell-Lewis revealed that out-of-state donors funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars through Alliance for BR Students. It was further revealed that those Board members who received funds also get texts, emails, and meetings to tell them how to vote. 

Now after a quick meeting with State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley, the Board will hold very rapid meetings with the goal of hiring a new candidate for superintendent. The following is taken from today’s Advocate:

The meetings also make clear that there are board members willing to look at individuals who didn't apply for the job the first go-round. 

The agendas for three separate meetings were posted online early Monday afternoon with the following schedule:

A special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday to consider reopening applications for superintendent and set a new application deadline for noon Wednesday, just 18 hours later. The original search closed June 10 with 17 applicants, who were soon narrowed to five semifinalists and then three finalists. All three finalists subsequently dropped out.
A meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday to interview new applicants for the job.
A special meeting Wednesday, occurring after the interviews, to pick a new superintendent. The agenda for that Wednesday special meeting also has a proposal to hire a "deputy superintendent" and to authorize board leadership and General Counsel Gwynn Shamlin negotiate an employment contract.
(Lussier, Charles. 22 July 2024. Front page.)

These rapid meetings and decisions are designed to hit you like a hurricane. NOLA schools were hit by Katrina then the privateers took them over.

What can you do?

Let Brumley and Alliance pick your next superintendent who has control over money, faculty and staff. A lot of what happens in the classroom is dictated by forces outside the class. 

Show up at the meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday at the School Board Office at 1050 S. Foster Drive. Peacefully protest and submit a witness card. 

Sign a recall petition for your school board member who has caused this crisis. Signatures must be handwritten, Email to get information about where Recall Captains will be set up. 

recallbellue@gmail.com

RecallRUSTD6@gmail.com

recallgaudet07@gmail.com

recallsoule@gmail.com 

recallmartin9@gmail.com 

Baton Rouge has a history of pulling together during a hurricane. Neighbor helps neighbor. Will you take action during our Katrina?

Now is your time to act.

Mary