In a close vote on Thursday night, the Monroe City School Board elected Rev. Sam Moore as the new superintendent of Monroe City Schools, marking the end of a highly anticipated selection process.
The decision followed a series of public engagements and interviews, concluding with a 4-3 vote in favor of Rev. Moore.
The process began with a public meet and greet on Wednesday evening at the Martin Luther King Gymnasium, where community members had the opportunity to meet the candidates and ask questions.
The following day, the school board conducted separate hour-long interviews with each of the three contenders: Rev. Sam Moore, Clyde Washington from Rapides Parish, and Serena White, the current interim co-superintendent.
Rev. Moore and Mr. Washington were considered the front-runners by the board, showcasing strong applications and presentations that resonated with the board’s vision for the future of the school district. However, the final vote revealed the difficulty of the board’s choice as the board’s African-American members backed Rev. Moore, and the white members supported Mr. Washington, who was also African-American.
Rev. Moore’s selection comes after he confidently told over 200 residents at Wednesday’s meet and greet that he was “anointed” by God to be the next superintendent, a statement that underscored his faith and determination.
Despite differing opinions among the board members, all three candidates shared similar views on the key issues facing education today, including the future of education, management styles, and necessary modifications to the current system. This consensus suggests that regardless of the outcome, Monroe City Schools would have embarked on a path of continuity and stability.
Rev. Moore’s appointment is contingent upon the negotiation and finalization of his contract, after which he will officially take the helm of Monroe City Schools. His leadership comes at a crucial time as the district faces the ongoing challenges of adapting to the evolving educational landscape and meeting the needs of its diverse student population.
