Louisiana is ready for a new direction in education.
Senate President Alario and Members of the Louisiana Senate
It has been confirmed that whether BESE addresses the appointment of Superintendent of Education, or continues to neglect their responsibility and duty as an elected body, John White will be summoned to face a Senate confirmation. This process will begin in the Senate Governmental Affairs committee. If five members of the committee vote "NO" on confirmation, it will go to the full senate with a recommendation to reject. If five members do not vote "NO," it could go to the full senate with no recommendation, or a recommendation to confirm.
Once the appointment goes to the full senate for a vote, 20 senators will have to vote "NO" to reject the confirmation. This is your opportunity to make your voices heard.
Please sign this petition asking the Louisiana Senate to vote against confirming John White as Superintendent of Education.
Petition by
To:
Senate President Alario and Members of the Louisiana Senate
From:
[Your Name]
Honorable President Alario and Members of the Senate,
For just over five years, the policies of Superintendent of Education John White have created a mass exodus of teachers from the teaching profession, pitted parents against teachers in every corner of the state, and have literally turned our education system upside down. Despite all of his efforts, Louisiana remains at the bottom of state ranking with no change in the foreseeable future.
With the passage of the new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), we have an opportunity to shape the future of Louisiana. The new law requires that all stakeholders have the opportunity for meaningful engagement during the planning of the state plan that is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education. That opportunity has not been extended to stakeholders despite opposition from Governor John Bel Edwards and outcry from parents and various professional organizations representing school board members, superintendents, principals and teachers.
The people of Louisiana are ready for a change in direction for our educational system and for the future of our children. We need a Louisiana native, experienced educator, who understands and appreciates the various cultural differences that reside in the Great State of Louisiana. John White is not that person.
As with all appointed positions, John White will face the Louisiana Senate for confirmation. We urge you, as a body, to take the first step toward shaping the future of our children and reject confirmation of John White as Superintendent of Education.
With much respect on behalf of the stakeholders of Louisiana,
Ganey Arsement
www.educatelouisiana.org