BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The process to recall five East Baton Rouge School Board members is underway.

A group calling themselves a community coalition made up of district employees, teachers, and residents is spearheading that effort. The group is calling for Mark Bellue, District 1, Nathan Rust, District 6, Michael Gaudet, District 7, Emily Soulé, District 8 and Patrick Martin, District 9 to be recalled.

“And so, we are here to say if you’re not going to listen to the people that put you in office, then we will actively work on removing you,” said Storm Matthews, EBR teacher.

The group wants interim superintendent Adam Smith appointed as the superintendent. This follows a chaotic school board meeting Thursday night with the board not reaching any decision on the two finalists, Kevin George and Andrea Zayas.

Back to school: Central Middle School students to get water bottles, school system bans cell phones

Four members of the board wanted Smith to be on that list but that was blocked by the five other school board members, despite a massive showing of support from the community for Smith.

“I am frustrated because that is their job to listen to their constituents. You’re not supposed to vote,” said Tyler Colson, EBR teacher.

The group filed a petition at the Secretary of State’s office to ultimately get an election to recall those five board members. They will need signatures from voters to make that happen.

Teacher unions have threatened a sickout when school starts on Aug. 8, unless Smith is appointed as superintendent.

“Are you prepared to strike?” asked BRProud investigative reporter John Rupolo.

“Absolutely, 100%,” said Katherine McGregor, EBR teacher.

BRProud reached out to Smith by email and phone about the public support he is receiving. Smith declined to comment.

“But when you say to him, look at all these people supporting you, what’s his comment?” asked Rupolo.  

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

BRProud Daily News

“Adam just smiles,” said Matthews.

The group is advocating for Smith to be awarded a one-month contract. His contract to be interim superintendent expires on July 23.

BRProud also reached out to all five board members, who the group wants to be recalled, and only one answered. Patrick Martin, EBR school board member, says he is not changing his vote.

Latest News

• Who was supposed to secure the building where the shooter fired from? DHS secretary responds

• Which state has the most Olympic gold medals?

• Baton Rouge girls can learn etiquette, manners at two-day Camp Cotillion

• DeSantis to speak at Iowa GOP event during convention

• Both sides skeptical that calls for unity will stick

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.