EBR school board leadership decision tops today’s agenda

Despite a recent report that EBR school board member David Tatman will likely have the votes to be elected board president at a meeting today, some members consider current Vice President Tarvald Smith a strong contender. Board member Craig Freeman says it could go either way. Freeman says the board prefers diversity in its leaders, meaning a black president likely would be paired with a white vice president, or vice versa. Jill Dyason, who is white, has been mentioned as a strong candidate for vice president if Smith becomes president. Evelyn Ware-Jackson, who is black, might also contend for vice president. Barbara Freiberg, the current president, has decided to step aside to allow for new leadership. Smith says board leadership plays an important role in dealing with state decision makers and community stakeholders. The board has been discussing with the state the future of schools in north Baton Rouge that the EBR system used to run—Freeman hopes an agreement is mere days away—and parents considering support for a new district in southeast East Baton Rouge likely will be watching the board closely. The board meets at 5 p.m. at 1050 South Foster Dr. To see today’s agenda, which also includes discussions about an architect for the Lee High School project, funding for early childhood education, and a professional services contract with New Millennium Education, click here. —David Jacobs and Stephanie Riegel