Tensions run high at East Baton Rouge School Board meeting after superintendent search hits deadlock
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — There was a lot of tension during Thursday’s special meeting as the decision to pick the next superintendent for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System came to a deadlock.
The meeting lasted four hours, with an overflow of community members in attendance, but all requesting the pick of current interim superintendent, Adam Smith, who’s been in the position since January to have the permanent spot.
When board member, Dadrius Lanus, made a motion to add Smith as a finalist, replacing Krish Mohip, who dropped out after accepting a different position, the motion failed.
Current finalist, Kevin George, was in attendance. Dozens of community members left comment on the division of the board, but what they said was a slap in the face to them to go over the option of Smith.
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Before the voting began, EBR School Board President, Carla Powell-Lewis, gave a heartfelt speech to the community, but made strong accusations against several board members.
“Other school board members receive their phone call to tell them how they needed to vote. And if they didn’t vote that way, if they voted for Adam Smith, they were not going to be supported in the future,” said Powell-Lewis.
The comment sparked more tension in the room, after multiple board members replied, stating they were never paid to vote against Smith.
When the board finally made a decision to cast their votes, some expressed that they won’t be casting votes at all. They addressed George, stating that their decision was nothing against him, but more so a decision for the community.
Powell-Lewis even said that constantly going against Smith and ignoring the public is wrong.
“I think that this is grossly disgusting. That we do not process the fact that the folks are saying that they want Mr. Smith,” Powell-Lewis said.
Five board members abstained, and only four voted for George, with none voting for the second finalist, Zayas. The decision created a deadlock, meaning no superintendent is picked. It raised questions by others in the room on who made the extra abstain vote.
Board member, Michael Gaudet, of District 7, made one of the abstain decisions, despite being one of the members the community has petitioned to get removed. He stated that this entire process was a train wreck from the start, and until the board can have unison, there shouldn’t be a vote at the time.
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“I cannot in good conscience bring someone in to be superintendent, whoever it is, with a board that is this divided,” said Gaudet.
Board members, then, filed another motion to delay the process at a later date, but General Councilman, Gwynn Shamlin, stated that if they continue to push the process, there could be legal consequences and this decision is a gray area, as it has never happened before.
Vice President of the EBR School Board, Patrick Martin, requested they vote on Monday, but ultimately, the board agreed to meet again on July 18. The board has until July 23 to make a final decision, with school starting on Aug. 8.
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