Watch: New EBR Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole talks about what’s next
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The newly selected East Baton Rouge Parish Schools superintendent talked about the next steps as the school system prepares for the first day of class in August.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board selected Mayor Pro Tem LaMont Cole as the new superintendent after a Wednesday meeting. Cole was introduced to the community in a Thursday morning press conference where he outlined his future plan and answered questions.
School officials said Cole’s role is effective immediately after the appointment. An EBR Schools news release said Cole has worked in the education sector for over 20 years, including positions as principal, assistant principal and chief academic officer at area schools.
Adam Smith will also start his role as deputy superintendent immediately. He has served as the interim during the school board’s search for a candidate to fill the role permanently. He had originally applied for the superintendent role but was not chosen as a finalist.
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Cole said the superintendent position is a job he’s always wanted and wants to serve for as long as the school board will have him. He describes himself as having “a lot of gas in the tank,” as he prepares to start the work of looking at what are the school system’s needs.
“I simply want to thank Baton Rouge for allowing me an opportunity to serve in this capacity. I want to thank the president and vice president of the school board for having faith in me to do what I consider to be the most important work of my lifetime,” Cole said.
As the first day of class approaches, his top priority is to make sure students, teachers and staff are ready for the new school year. He mentioned the sickout teacher unions had planned, saying he and Smith plan to have “candid and transparent” conversations with unions to address their concerns.
Cole wants to create a long-term plan for outreach and retention to show employees are appreciated. He welcomes community members to apply for jobs in the school system.
Members of the Metro Council and the mayor-president released statements before the school board meeting to endorse Cole.
“I didn’t expect that. Unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and they didn’t tell me they were going to do that. It meant a lot. Just to have members on both sides, one might expect the Democrats to have shown up but to have members from both sides not only write letters but to rush over here to share a word,” said Cole.
He said he hopes to use some strategies from his time serving on the Metro Council to bring the school system together.
The first day of school in East Baton Rouge Parish is Thursday, Aug. 8.
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