President
Dr. T. Lamar Goree
Vice President
Dr. Marco French
Historian
Dr. Melvin Hollins
Dr. T. Lamar Goree is a nationally recognized educator with experiences ranging from his beginnings as a middle school math teacher through his work in school and district administration to a decade of service as a superintendent. In addition, he is proud to serve as the inaugural President of LABSE. Dr. Goree currently serves as Superintendent of the Caddo Parish Public Schools in Shreveport, La., one of the state’s largest school systems, and is the longest-serving superintendent the district has seen in more than 30 years. Under his leadership, Dr. Goree has brought innovation and stabilization to Caddo Parish as the district has reached an all-time high graduation rate while producing dozens of students recognized as National Merit Scholars and scoring perfect scores on the ACT. To see the notable gains in student performance as they have walked across the graduation stage, Dr. Goree oversaw the implementation of top-rated curricula for all students across subject areas along with prescriptive and targeted professional development for teachers and support staff aligned directly to student needs. Beyond academics, Dr. Goree has worked to bring fiscal responsibility and transparency to the district. Prioritizing the classroom, he methodically worked to identify efficiencies and secured the district’s highest surplus in decades while providing competitive salaries and high-quality resources for students. Throughout his journey in education, Dr. Goree’s focus has been on expanding access and opportunities for all students. His efforts have been recognized at the state and national level including being named Louisiana Superintendent of the Year as well as Broad Academy Fellow and a member of Chiefs for Change. “It is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to a good education.” – Nelson Mandela Email: tlgoree@caddoschools.org
Mr. Marco French is a nationally recognized educator who has made a lasting impact in education through his work as a day-by-day substitute teacher and serving as a Caddo Parish School System principal with 13 years of experience. Mr. Marco French is Vice President of the Louisiana Alliance of Black School Educators. Marco received his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA. He continued his pursuits at Arkansas State University, where he obtained his master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. He is a district, state, and national award-winning educator. He is named the Louisiana State Principal of the Year, A National Award-winning Disney Educator, and the Lowell Milken Educator Award recipient, the highest award that any educator can receive. He has completed the National Center on Education and the Economy National Institute for School Leadership and is a graduate of Paul Bambric’s Leverage Leadership. Marco has a strong and unwavering belief that all children can learn and be productive citizens in the world in which we live, but only if given the proper tools and opportunity to do so. Meeting the needs of every child at the level that they need is the only way we will begin to close learning gaps and see the real success of the students we serve. Marco is a Professor at Reach University, a part of Oxford Teachers College, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., where he served as the Bossier City Alumni Chapter Polemarch. He was selected as the chapter’s “Brother of the Year,” recognized as one of the Shreveport-Bossier Young People Initiative Top Forty under 40 Business Professionals, serving on various boards, and a lifelong learner. Marco’s six-word story is, “I am because of what was” Quote: “Children are not things to be molded but are people to be unfolded.” ~ Jess Lair Life’s Belief Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Email: marco@marcofrench.org mdfrench@caddoschools.org
Dr. Melvin L. Hollins is a passionate educator with more than a decade of experience, he has been a teacher, instructional specialist, principal, district director, and school board representative. Dr. Hollins obtained a Bachelor and Master of Science in Math Education from Southern University and A&M College of Baton Rouge, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA. With extensive experience in educator development, program implementation, and strategic leadership, he currently serves as the Director of Magnet Programs at East Baton Rouge Parish Schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As one of the largest, most diverse school districts in Louisiana, East Baton Rouge is looked to for its work to provide unique, tailored opportunities to meet students’ learning interests. He has witnessed firsthand the disproportioned perceptions, and ultimately, value placed on different schools and the students they serve. Experiences as such fuels his fire to lead with equity and access for ALL at the forefront. Previously he served as Principal of Ryan Elementary School where he was able to lead the school through the pandemic with a single-year increase of 25 percent growth in students reading at or above grade level. He also led the school to critical partnerships with renowned institutions including Southern University A&M Mechanical College and the Louisiana State University College of Education as we worked to hone the skillset of our teachers and enhance opportunities for students. This work not only improved student performance with the school maintaining an A-rating in student progress each year under his tenure, but the school increased in enrollment by 8 percent. He has also served as an elected school board member for East Feliciana Parish Schools. Dr. Hollins’s experience in both traditional school systems as well as charter and higher education environments provides a versatile and enhanced understanding of the needs of K-12 students and the urgency with which we must work to improve outcomes. “Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”
Parliamentarian
Dr. Avis Williams
Chaplin
Jada Lewis
Treasurer
Dr. Kelli Joseph
In March 2022, Dr. Avis Williams was selected to serve as superintendent of the NOLA Public Schools in New Orleans. She is the first woman to be permanently appointed to this role. Her core values are Equity, Excellence and Joy and she is known for her ability to drive innovation while improving organizational culture and climate. An award-winning educator and sought-after speaker, she is a native of Salisbury, NC. A product of poverty, Williams dreamed of being a teacher from an early age. As a first generation 4-year college student, she followed the path of her older siblings and joined the Army right after high school. After four years in the Army, she worked full-time as a personal trainer while putting herself through community college and earned her undergraduate degree from Athens State University. She went on to earn a master’s degrees from Alabama A&M and Jacksonville State Universities, education specialist degree and her doctorate from the University of Alabama. Dr. Williams has taught English, Physical Education, coached dance team and track, served as an elementary, middle and high school principal. She is a member of the Institute for Education Innovation, Chiefs for Change, has completed the AASA Urban Superintendents Academy and the National Superintendents Certification Program. Her awards include the 2023 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award, 2022 National School PR Association Superintendents to Watch, the University of Alabama’s 2021 Dr. Harold Bishop Leadership Award, 2020 Alabama Black School Educator’s Superintendent of the Year, and 2019 Finalist for Alabama State Superintendent of Year and Alabama Marbury Technology Innovation Award. Prior to her historic appointment to lead NOLA Public Schools, Dr. Williams served as superintendent of Historic Selma City Schools in Selma, AL for five years where she championed equity by prioritizing mental health, establishing a Social Justice Academy and ensuring innovative technology access. She is the past board president of ASCD, a board member for Café Reconcile, New Orleans and Foundations, Inc. Recognized nationally for her innovative leadership, she is also member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and of the Pontchartrain Chapter of the Links, Inc. Her joy comes from spending time with her daughter Bree, running, writing and being a “dog mom” to her standard poodles, CoCo and Butterscotch. Never forgetting her roots, Dr. Williams enjoys giving back to her community and working with families in need
Jada Lewis is currently serving as Vice-President of Programs for the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). In this position, she works closely with NEEF program directors to design, integrate, execute, and evaluate NEEF programs and pilot initiatives, as well as explore new themes and concepts in environmental education. She works to ensure the credibility, effectiveness, and relevance of NEEF through coordination of evaluation activities, tracking research and emerging trends in environmental education, and identifying and disseminating promising strategies and best practices in lifelong environmental learning. Jada Lewis has over 15 years of leadership experience in K-12 and higher education. Jada Lewis recently served a four year term as an elected member to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education implementing K-12 education policy for over 700,000 students in Louisiana. Jada Lewis received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from LSU and a Master’s Degree in Government with dual concentrations in Law and Public Policy and Public Administration from Regent University. She is a graduate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Baton Rouge, Council for a Better Louisiana's Leadership Louisiana, and was selected as one Baton Rouge Business Report’s “Forty Under 40.” She is passionate about inspiring and mentoring young professionals and continues to devote her time and resources in developing the next generation of leaders. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela Email: jadadesireelewis@gmail.com
Dr. Kelli Joseph was named Treasurer for the newly-minted LABSE organization. She is currently the superintendent for St. Helena Parish School District. She received her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from Southern University in New Orleans. She continued her pursuits at Southeastern Louisiana University where she obtained her master’s degree, master’s +30, and finally her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She also completed the Leadership Institute for Superintendents at Harvard University, earned her AASA National Superintendent Certification, completed the Women’s Leadership Academy at Loyola University, and graduated from the Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry at Notre Dame Seminary. In Dr. Joseph's 28 years as an educator, she has always believed that public education is a beacon of opportunity and a source of inspiration for all citizens. Her advocacy for creating fair, equitable outcomes for learners and educators under her care and those across the state and nation is evidenced by her participation in various professional organizations such as the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, American Association of School Administrator (AASA) Governing Board, Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, Louisiana Association of School Executives, Superintendents’ Advisory Council, Accountability Council, Regional Educational Laboratory Southwest Governing Board, and the Racial Equity Leadership Network. Dr. Joseph’s efforts were recognized by her peers when she was named Principal of the Year, Person of the Year by St. Helena Advocacy for Parish Enrichment (SHAPE), Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Louisiana East, and Outstanding School District Leader by DA (District Administration Organization). She was also named the 2020 Region II Superintendent of the Year, 2020 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year, and nominated for the AASA National Women in School Leadership Award. Dr. Joseph believes in Prov. 3 verses 5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. Email: kjoseph@sthpk-12.net
Financial Secretary
Shavonne Price
Recording Secretary
Dr. Fateama Fulmore
Corresponding Secretary
Malekah Salim-Morgan
Shavonne Garner-Price embodies dedication and the boundless potential that learning can unlock. Shavonne is a dedicated advocate for education with 25 years of experience, driving positive change for children and educators. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, she recognizes the importance of quality education due to her background in the public school system. Shavonne understands the need for quality educational opportunities for students. Entering education as an alternatively certified teacher, Shavonne quickly realized her passion for children and how education fosters potential. Serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, state department liaison, and currently executive director for the largest school system in Louisiana, seeking to ensure each child receives a quality education that prepares them for college and a career. Shavonne has transformed schools by helping students successfully increase their reading levels, state assessment scores and teachers improve their pedagogy, leading to improved school performance scores. Shavonne is a mother, grandmother, children's book author, and life-long learner in the final phase of earning a doctoral degree. She has obtained degrees from Grambling State and Louisiana Tech Universities. Shavonne enjoys volunteering in the community, serving on the board of non-profit organizations, helping others, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. “When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.”-George Washington Carver shavonne.garner-price@jpschools.org sgarnerprice@gmail.com
Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore is the deputy superintendent of NOLA Public Schools and the recording secretary for the newly established LABSE. She’s an accomplished and visionary PK-12 school district leader with more than two decades of experience serving across urban, suburban, and rural school districts – in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest regions of the United States. Dr. Fulmore is a product of poverty and public education. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., but she also calls Charlotte, N.C. her home, where she graduated high school. Dr. Fulmore is a former teacher, assistant principal, and principal in North Carolina. She previously served as an executive director for high schools and assistant superintendent fellow in the School District of Philadelphia - one of the twenty largest districts in U.S.. Most recently, Dr. Fulmore served as a principal supervisor and chief of strategy for schools, accountability, and school improvement in the Omaha Public Schools - the largest school district in Nebraska. As a first-generation college student, Dr. Fulmore earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Appalachian State University, a master’s degree in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University, an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University, and a Doctorate of Education degree in Leadership of PK-12 Schools and School Districts from Gwynedd Mercy University. Dr. Fulmore was one of 40 participants selected for Cohort 3 of the Forum for Educational Leadership. She was recently recognized for the 2023 Excellence in Authorizing Fellowship with the Louisiana Department of Education, she was previously part of Emerging Superintendents with the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, and successfully completed the Harvard University Institute for Turnaround Leaders. Dr. Fulmore is a strategic and student-centered leader guided by her core values of children first, leadership by example, excellence, collective impact, and educational opportunities for all. A captivating speaker who inspires and motivates. Dr. Fulmore leverages her story, expertise, and passion to positively impact children, families, educators, leaders, and the community. Dr. Fulmore is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She enjoys living life to the fullest with loved ones and currently resides in New Orleans, LA. “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”- Rita Pierson Personal Email: drfateama@gmail.com Work Email: ffulmore@nolapublicschools.com
Malekah Salim-Morgan leads with love, and is the corresponding secretary for LABSE. Malekah is a professional educator who passionately serves the students, families, and educators of Louisiana as the Deputy Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement for the Louisiana Department of Education. Malekah holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Education, magna cum laude, from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA, a Masters of Education in School Administration from Louisiana State University - Shreveport, and is pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Learning and Organizational change from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Malekah currently serves as an adjunct professor in addition to mentoring aspiring school leaders, is a 2020 graduate of the Louisiana Superintendent’s Academy, and is a graduate of the 2021 class of Leadership Jefferson. As a Silver Star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Malekah commits to serving mankind. Malekah is a product of Louisiana's public schools and has chosen to spend her entire career, spanning 25 years, serving schools with the greatest needs. Her roles of service have included regular and special education teacher, content coach, literacy coach, TAP© master teacher, assistant principal, principal, and principal supervisor. Prior to joining the Louisiana Department of Education, Malekah served as Executive Director of Transformation for Jefferson Parish Schools, leading the school improvement efforts for the largest school system in Louisiana. Malekah addresses local and national audiences regarding school improvement, professional learning, instructional coherence, and capacity building. “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” —Malcolm X. Contact Malekah at malekah.morgan@la.gov or malekah8449@gmail.com .