Like many (I believe the majority) in our community. Im extremely frustrated by the dysfunction and lack of collaboration, compromise, and consensus building between the LPSS administration, lead by Dr. Cooper, and the LPSB elected almost 4 years ago. Though historically a Dr. Cooper supporter, I do admit that I dont necessarily agree with all of his actions. Unfortunately, the failure by the senior most governing bodies to show true leadership, community engagement, cross district/stakeholder collaboration and compromise has ripped our school system and community apart. Thus, jeopardizing the highest quality education for thousands of kids. Yes, like many in the community Im concerned that the current board majority is driving an ill defined, documented, and transparent process to terminate Dr. Cooper. While I believe this would be a mistake, the community at large and the next generation of our school board should have a much bigger concern... What happens next? What follows the likely termination of Dr. Cooper is very unclear and needs to be top of mind for current LPSB candidates. Regardless of the election in November, the new board will not assume their seats until 2015. This means that the lame duck school board majority could expedite the hiring of a new Superintendent without the involvement of teachers, parents, and community leaders who are committed to improving our K-12 public education foundation. To prevent this from happening, it would be an amazing step in the right direction for the qualifying candidates, including those who would like to see Dr. Cooper terminated, issue a unified and agreed upon statement to call upon the current board to NOT take action on terminating Dr. Cooper, rather to focus on documenting facts, history, and concerns for their district by his actions, thus enabling the yet to be elected 2015 board to tackle the issue with a fresh set of eyes. If the above is too much to ask for and the board does move forward with terminating Dr. Coopers contract, then the candidates should at a minimum call for the process to end with the termination, and take no action toward putting in place a new Superintendent. This action alone, would allow the 2015+ board to establish and lead the process which ideally will focus on outcomes for improving the entire school system with the support of the community at large. If you agree with this please share with the candidates that you have relationships with. I do not know who is and isnt on FaceBook. District 1: Mary Morrison; “Coach Don” Gagnard; Redell “Mama” Comeaux Miller District 2: Incumbent Tommy Angelle; Simon Mahan; James A. Chavis District 3: Elroy Broussard; Incumbent Shelton Cobb District 4: Incumbent Tehmi Chassion; Erica Wilson District 5: Incumbent Kermit Bouillion; Britt Latiolais District 6: Justin Centanni; Kathleen Schott Espinoza District 7: Incumbent Mark Cockerham; Dawn Morris District 8: Incumbent Board President Hunter Beasley; Erick Knezek District 9: Jeremy Hidalgo; Brian West #LPSBelection #WordsToAction
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:46:17 +0000
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