Putting a demand on EXCELLENCE!Shashonnie StewardCandidate for EBR School Board - District 4
Let’s make a difference in an underserved and marginalized population.
About Shashonnie Steward
Park Forest East native Shashonnie Steward is honored to announce her candidacy for EBR School Board in District 4 during the upcoming November election. Shonnie is a servant and community leader, who believes she can use both personal and professional skills to bring a fresh perspective in order to address the current challenges in the East Baton Rouge Parish school system.
For many years, Steward has played a significant role in the rehabilitation of youth and adult offenders in the 19TH JDC all while promoting initiatives and actively being a voice for the community. These assets are believed to aid her in being the most impactful candidate for School Board. The people of District 4 deserve a diligent leader with a proven record to meet families and students where they are.
Shashonnie asks the community for the opportunity to serve District 4 to focus on workforce readiness strategies, such as increasing tech and STEM opportunities for students, bringing a dedicated Pre-K facility District 4; increasing the letter grades of District 4 schools, and crafting a comprehensive plan to address the resources available to EBR school parents. She believes that these key community partnerships and endeavors are what Baton Rouge has been missing for the past few years, and she is determined to accomplish this for District 4.
Shashonnie graduated as Class Salutatorian from Capitol High School in 1997. A true jaguar at heart, she attended Southern University and A&M College and received her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice w/ Minor in Psychology. In 2005, she completed her Master of Science in Criminal Justice and is currently a 2L (second year) law student with the esteemed Southern University Law Center. She is the owner of Redstick Rehabilitative & Correctional Services. She has one daughter, Khofie, and a 3-year-old granddaughter whom she adores.
Clubs/Organizations:
• Junior League (2009-present) – Groups: Everybody Reads, Patient Activity Days, Weekend Backpacks, Ready Hands, Hollydays Committee
• Park Forest East Civic Association – President
• Park Forest East Crime Prevention and Improvement District – President
my why
I am seeking to be elected by my peers to this seat to be a driving force behind reshaping the state of education in our Parish. I am the product of the EBR public school system, my daughter is a product of the EBR school system, and I am blessed to have the opportunity as Mimi for my beautiful grand-girl to be a part of the EBR school system. But more importantly, I see the direct results of a broken system in my personal work daily. As you may know, my daily work is within the criminal justice system, which is a familial place for many of our youth due to lack of access, resources and opportunities. So, when I see these young men and women of such great potential be diverted to unproductive behaviors, I know that I can do more to engage their attention to help better them for greatness. There isn’t a cookie-cutter solution that is going to drive substantial change, but with a collaborative, interagency approach, we can begin to churn the wheels of excellence!
Platform
Raise every traditional public school in the district by two letter grades
Currently all schools in District 4 are at a “D” or lower. Injecting more workforce enablement and technical skills programming where students have skills to enter the labor force upon graduation. Elementary & Middle schools to focus more on STEM and TECH disciplines, partnering with local IT developers like IBM and local universities to develop curriculum.
Implement EBRSTEPP – EBR Strategies to Educate Parents Program
Performed in concert with multiple human service districts, providers, partners and agencies – the goal of this program would be to meet parents of EBR schools aged children where they are. The program would focus on GED certifications, job-skills training, parenting, financial literacy and all the necessary wrap-around services and case management to assist participants. Provided at an EBR facility, parents would have a structured environment and access to key services. We have to also make the at-home a conducive learning environment, so the parental component is key to the city’s overall success.
Utilize closed schools across the parish for first ever “Pre-K for All” program
The EBR school system has multiple facilities that are not currently being utilized for educational purposes across the parish. Through a mix of local, state, federal and private funding, we can restore these buildings to commerce by utilizing them as designated Pre-K only schools. Research has proven that children are much better positioned to be academically inclined when access to early learning is available.