Teachers' Unions Threaten Strike Over Superintendent Selection in EBR Schools
Despite Powell-Lewis’ support for Smith as a finalist, the board moved forward with Kevin George, Director of the LSU Lab School, and Andrea Zayas, former Executive Director of Journey into Education and Teaching in Boston, as the top candidates.
BATON ROUGE, La. - In a dramatic showdown over the future leadership of East Baton Rouge (EBR) Schools, the presidents of three influential teachers' unions have vowed to strike if their preferred candidate, Adam Smith, is not appointed superintendent.
Gathering in a defiant news conference late Monday, Angela Reams-Brown of the EBR Federation of Teachers, Valencia Johnson of the EBR Parish Association of Educators, and Earmer Jackson made their position clear. "We will not be there on August 8th if Adam Smith is not appointed to superintendent," declared Johnson, her voice unwavering.
Reams-Brown underscored the urgency of their demands, stating, "We need the board to understand that what we’re asking for is in the best interest of the students, the employees, and this school district."
School Board President Carla Powell-Lewis acknowledged the unions' concerns, indicating a partial alignment with their views. "It’s about time that we do right by our students and by our families, by our teachers’ unions and all other groups that desire that we begin to take a look at those who exist in our district," she remarked, hinting at systemic issues within the board’s selection process.
Despite Powell-Lewis’ support for Smith as a finalist, the board moved forward with Kevin George, Director of the LSU Lab School, and Andrea Zayas, former Executive Director of Journey into Education and Teaching in Boston, as the top candidates. A third finalist withdrew from the race.
George and Zayas, in response to the unions' fervent backing of Smith, expressed a willingness to earn the trust of the educators. "I expect them to support their guy and I look forward to having that same support once they see me and begin to trust me," George said confidently. Zayas added, "I deeply understand and empathize with the educators and the family members that had Mr. Smith as their choice."
As the final decision looms, the unions have made it clear they are prepared for a prolonged battle, pledging to strike indefinitely if Smith is not chosen. This standoff sets the stage for a critical juncture in the district’s leadership and underscores the unions' powerful influence and dedication to their cause.
