Mayor, council members endorse Mayor Pro Tem LaMont Cole for East Baton Rouge Schools superintendent job
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Mayor Pro Tem LaMont Cole is applying for the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools superintendent position. He confirmed the move to BRProud on Wednesday, July 24.
In a social media post, Councilwoman Chauna Banks invited the community to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board meeting Wednesday evening to support Cole.
Banks said she believes Cole is likely “the only one to successfully transition this school system to success and bring about unity among all stakeholders.”
Cole graduated from LSU and Southern. He holds a Master of Education degree and has served as a principal and assistant principal at different schools in Baton Rouge. He was also the NAACP Baton Rouge Branch president from 2006 to 2011.
Wednesday’s school board meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the district’s main office on South Foster Drive. The school board will interview new candidates before announcing the superintendent selection.
The last of three finalists for the superintendent position dropped out on Thursday, July 18. On Tuesday, July 23, former superintendent Sito Narcisse sent a letter of interest, saying he could resume the role he left earlier this year.
Sito Narcisse sends letter of interest for East Baton Rouge Schools superintendent job
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and members of the Metropolitan Council released statements endorsing Cole for the superintendent position.
“Last week, I implored our school board members to come to a swift decision based on unity for the betterment of our students and peace in our community. Since then, I have put my words into action and actively met with board members and stakeholders alike to help bridge the gap.
“Tonight, our school board has the opportunity to help our community and school system move forward. I believe the best choice to do that is Mayor Pro-Tem LaMont Cole.
“LaMont has served this city and parish valiantly and stood up for what is right in times of extreme pressure and his own personal sacrifices.
“His remarkable career as a dedicated educator for over 25 years in this community is admirable and the homegrown leadership we need in this season.
“His steady hand in building consensus, navigating through uncharted waters, and bringing Democrats and Republicans together on the Metropolitan Council is a demonstration of what he will do for our school system.
“I ask the school board members to join me in supporting and selecting LaMont Cole as our next school superintendent.”
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome
“When I think of children and their overall well-being, I think of LaMont Odell Cole.”
Carolyn Coleman, District 10
“I have had the pleasure to serve with Mayor Pro Tempore Lamont Cole on the Metropolitan Council. While he has demonstrated all of the intangibles that would easily make him a great candidate for EBRPS Superintendent, my most proud moment was observing him when he didn’t know that I was looking. Those were the moments at Madison Preparatory and CSAL working with staff, encouraging students, and bringing hope to a community that others had written-off. If he can do it for 3000 students, he can do it for 40,000.”
Darryl Hurst, District 5
“The state of our education system is rather ambiguous. Unfortunately, once again, we find ourselves at a crossroads and in desperate need of leadership. Leadership is about the team. Effective leadership creates a culture of buy-in that others willingly embrace. It’s about empathy for staff, constituents, students and the community served. It’s about doing the right thing for the right reasons, being confident and bold enough to take risks yet responsible enough to think of those who may be impacted. Lamont Cole is that kind of leader and that’s why I support him in his pursuit to be the next Superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. We’ve seen him display this type of leadership as a Principal in EBR, as an Executive at CSAL and as Mayor Pro Temp of the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge.”
Cleve Dunn, District 6
“Mr. Cole consistently demonstrated a deep passion for education and a clear vision for the future of our school system. His extensive experience in the educational field, combined with his proven track record of success in various administrative roles, uniquely qualifies him to lead our district. He understands the challenges our schools face and has the innovative mindset needed to implement effective solutions.”
Aaron Moak, District 4
“As a parent of two children in EBR Public Schools I first want to thank you for your time, attention, and dedication to the education of our young people. I reach out to you today to express my support for Mr. LaMont Cole as your new superintendent of schools.
Having served alongside Mr. Cole for the past 8 years I have seen firsthand his ability to lead and his passion for educating the next generation of EBR Citizens. Notably, I have had the unique perspective of being on opposite sides of many controversial issues that impact our Parish. Throughout any debate I have always maintained a deeply felt respect for Mr. Cole, his ability to lead, and his ability to seek compromise in difficult situations. I believe that it is precisely this type of leadership that will benefit the students of East Baton Rouge Parish.
As the EBRPSS is at a critical juncture in selecting new leadership I urge you to select leadership that will drive innovation, support teachers and staff, wisely steward the public dollar, and most importantly improve educational outcomes for our students. Mr. Cole is that leader.”
Dwight Hudson, District 9
“I am not completely familiar with the challenges currently confronting the education system, but I am capable of attesting to LaMont Cole’s effectiveness. Our esteemed Mayor Pro Temp has steered our council with empathy, serving as a mediator and adeptly diffusing tense circumstances that others struggled to resolve. On a personal note, I have had the privilege of observing his remarkable ability to unite our council.”
Jennifer Racca, District 12
“LaMont Cole has a proven record of educational acumen, who always puts children first. Those are incontestable qualities, and he is a national sought after speaker, due to his all around success regarding school culture and school performance. He is superintendent we need and the time we need the best most. In my opinion he would be the best.”
Chauna Banks, District 2
“LaMont Cole has been a wonderful leader of our council as Mayor Pro Tempore and in the Baton Rouge community. He is fair and even handed. I have enjoyed serving with him and think he would make a great superintendent, as he excels in leadership roles. He has my support for this role and I know he can bring positive transformation for the East Baton Rouge School System.”
Brandon Noel, District 1
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