East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Elects New Leadership in Unified Vote
Fellow nominees Emily Soulé and Patrick Martin, who had also been nominated for the position, chose to support Steward once her decisive majority became apparent.
BATON ROUGE, La. — The atmosphere inside the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board meeting Thursday night felt noticeably different from the contentious energy of last year’s leadership election. The tension that once divided board members had been replaced with a sense of calm determination as they cast their votes for new leadership.
Shashonnie Steward, seated at the long table alongside her colleagues, exuded quiet confidence as the nominations began. When the votes were tallied, it became clear: Steward had won the presidency with an overwhelming 8-1 vote, earning the trust of nearly all her fellow board members.
Fellow nominees Emily Soulé and Patrick Martin, who had also been nominated for the position, chose to support Steward once her decisive majority became apparent.
“I’m deeply humbled by this honor,” Steward said after the vote, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “This board has incredible potential to make meaningful changes for our students, and I’m ready to lead alongside all of you.”
A Unified Board
The meeting’s orderly tone starkly contrasted with the contentious leadership election of 2023, where disagreements and heated exchanges dominated the proceedings. On Thursday, nominations were handled swiftly, and members moved efficiently to voting without debate.
The election of starkly contrasted as vice president was closer but equally significant. Gaudet, a board veteran who previously served as president from 2019 to 2020, narrowly defeated Soulé in a 5-4 vote. His election brought together a coalition that included outgoing president Carla Powell-Lewis and the board’s three other Black members: Dadrius Lanus, Cliff Lewis, and Steward.
The decision reflected a commitment to collaboration and diversity, with Steward, a Black woman, and Gaudet, a White man, continuing the board’s tradition of racial representation in leadership roles.
“Ms. Steward, I know you’ll lead this board with strength and vision,” Lanus said after the vote. “And Mr. Gaudet, your experience is going to be invaluable in helping us navigate this year.”
Reflections and New Directions
As the meeting continued, outgoing president Powell-Lewis took a moment to reflect on her year at the helm. Her voice carried pride and hope as she addressed her colleagues.
“This past year has been the highlight of my educational career,” Powell-Lewis said. “I’m here to support anyone who needs it. We have the opportunity to keep building on the progress we’ve made.”
Powell-Lewis’ tenure as president was defined by a challenging superintendent search that concluded in July 2023 with the appointment of veteran educator and Metro Councilman LaMont Cole. The search had initially stalled as the board struggled to reach a consensus, but Powell-Lewis played a key role in helping the board move forward.
A Pivotal Year Ahead
Steward’s presidency begins at a critical juncture for the board. The district faces pressing challenges, from improving student performance to addressing teacher shortages and balancing budgets. Steward, who had initially indicated she wouldn’t seek a leadership position this year, said she felt called to step up after reflecting on the district’s needs.
“This isn’t just about leadership—it’s about service,” Steward said. “I believe we’re ready to work together to create a stronger future for our students, families, and educators.”
Gaudet, seated to Steward’s right, nodded in agreement. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this board has the tools to make real progress,” he said.
Optimism in the Room
As the meeting wrapped up, the mood in the room was optimistic. The seamless transition in leadership and the cooperative tone set by Thursday’s vote signaled a promising start to 2024. Board members exchanged congratulatory remarks and commitments to collaborate in the months ahead.
Lanus captured the spirit of the night as he addressed his colleagues one last time: “We’ve got the right team in place. Now, let’s get to work.”
With Steward and Gaudet at the helm, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board begins the year with a clear mandate to prioritize students and strengthen the district’s connection to the community it serves.
