FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             Contact: Victoria Fosdal
March 16, 2021                                                                               victoria@dfer.org

DFER LA Appoints New State Director
Terrence Lockett to Lead Advocacy for an equitable education for all

BATON ROUGE, LA (March 16, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana (DFER LA) announced today that Terrence Lockett has been appointed as State Director for the chapter, as well as its affiliate organization Education Reform Now Louisiana (ERN LA).

“Terrence is a tremendous asset to the Louisiana team,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “His compassion and dedication to the mission are evident in the work he’s led for DFER LA in Baton Rouge, from representing the organization in conversations for the East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board search for a superintendent to fighting for an equitable distribution of resources for students during the pandemic so that those farthest from privilege are able to succeed.”

Terrence has been with DFER LA since 2019, previously serving as Interim Director and Director of the Capitol region. He’s worked closely with state legislators, and education stakeholders to advocate for students in EBR to advance the district’s racial equity work and help pass a new charter policy, and at the state-level, to support DFER LA’s efforts to ensure that Louisiana’s new State Superintendent was someone who would prioritize educational equity for Louisiana’s historically underserved students.

“I am honored to lead the Louisiana chapter of DFER,” said Terrence. “I know that our work matters to every person on our team, to parents and education advocates, and most especially, to the students we serve. The fight for education equity will continue until each and every student has fair access to opportunities and the resources they need to turn those opportunities into success. I know that, together, we can bring possibility into reality.”

Terrence previously worked as the Capital Region Manager and State Education Liaison for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA). In this capacity, he acted as a direct contact to a 12-parish coverage area assisting elected officials and community stakeholders in the region. In his role as Education Liaison, he was responsible for working with multiple stakeholders at the national, state, and local levels to advance Senator Landrieu’s education reform priorities in Louisiana. Terrence has also worked as campaign manager and chief strategist on multiple campaigns around Louisiana, and proudly served as a speech therapist to a First Nations school in New Mexico.

DFER LA was launched in 2015 to as a means to address challenges—such as education quality, equity, and a pronounced opportunity gap—advocate for students farthest from privilege, and support candidates who are dedicated to creating better opportunities for all students.  Learn more about the organization here.

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About DFER LA
DFER LA recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Louisiana that justly and equitably serves all students.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DFER LA Congratulates Endorsed Candidates on Election Day Victories
Two DFER champions win races for Orleans Parish School Board
Four DFER-backed candidates face runoffs

NEW ORLEANS, LA (November 4, 2020) – Following the reported results for seats on the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB), Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana (DFER LA)’s State Director, Leslie Leavoy, released the following statement:

“Our team is proud to congratulate each DFER candidate on their hard-fought and well-deserved victories yesterday. We look forward to building stronger relationships with each of the newly-elected school board members as they begin their new term in January. Each of these victories affirm that voters across the city are demanding better options and resources for their students, such as an increase in vocational education options, better teacher pay, more funding for under-resourced schools, investment in mental health support, recruiting teachers from local neighborhoods and communities, and better coordination of bus and transportation schedules.

“Moreover, our team is prepared to work alongside the Orleans Parish School Board to ensure board members and NOLA Public Schools administration continue addressing needs of students and families in the midst of concurrent health, economic, and racial justice crises. In order to continue building upon the progress we’ve made, we must come together citywide to usher in the next phase of educational opportunity for our students. OPSB, NOLA PS, advocates, community leaders, and other stakeholders must work in partnership with City Council members, our legislative delegation, our Mayor, our BESE leaders, and our Governor to advance progressive policies that affect our students’ and families’ livelihoods both in and outside the classroom.”

Based on unofficial returns, two endorsed candidates for OPSB won outright:

• District 1: John A. Brown, Sr. wins re-election with 52% of the vote; and,
• District 3: Olin Parker, a first time-candidate and education policy expert was elected to the district’s open seat with 64% of the vote.

“Our work is not done. Our team will ensure the four remaining DFER-backed candidates get the resources they need to finish strong as they face a run-off election on December 5,” said Leavoy.

The unofficial results for the OPSB races that are headed to runoffs on December 5 are as follows:

• District 2: Incumbent and School Board President Ethan Ashley (36%) holds a strong position heading into the runoff and faces Chanel Payne (27%);
• District 5: Parent and policy expert Katie Baudouin (41%) will face Antoinette Williams (38%);
• District 6: Former educator and charter school board member Carlos Zervigon (42%) will face Erica Martinez (29%); and,
• District 7: Incumbent Nolan Marshall, Jr. (44%) will face Kayonna Armstrong (42%).

The runoff election for Orleans Parish District Attorney, select judicial races, and OPSB races will be on Saturday, Dec. 5. Early voting will take place from Fri. Nov. 20 to Sat. Nov. 28 (except Sun. Nov. 22, Thurs. Nov. 26 and Fri. Nov. 27) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

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