Last finalist withdraws from East Baton Rouge superintendent search

Michael Scheidt
·2 min read
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BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – The last candidate for superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System has dropped out.

In a letter, Andrea Zayas said, “Unfortunately, the conditions for success are near non-existent in this governance tableau. What should matter most is creating a district culture that drives life-changing, equitable outcomes for the city’s children. Tragically, this is not the current focus, and given that misalignment, I am withdrawing my name from consideration.”

This comes after Kevin George and Krish Mohip bowed out as candidates for the position.

The search for a new superintendent hit a deadlock at last week’s East Baton Rouge School Board meeting, and now there are no candidates left.

Over support from the community and teachers, the majority of the board has declined to consider interim Adam Smith.

East Baton Rouge school board members announce why interim superintendent Adam Smith was not selected

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 18.

Supporters plan to rally behind Smith at the meeting.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has called for unity and stability to help the community ahead of the board announcing its new plan to fill the role.

“Quality education is important for the betterment of our children, their long-term educational outcomes, and the progress of our community as a whole. The current superintendent search process at EBR Schools has drawn the attention of many who are concerned about the direction of our school system.

“As mayor-president, I have a vested interest in the success of our children who are educated in EBR Schools. As the beginning of the school year is rapidly approaching, we owe it to our children, our teachers, and parents to provide some stability for the upcoming school year. I understand political factions and differing opinions, but it is paramount that we remember the impact on our students and teachers.

“It is time for us to unify with all expedience to select a leader and bring stability and calm to our school system and community. I urge the school board members to put their differences aside and put our children’s education first.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome

You can read a full copy of Zayas’ letter below.

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