I am running for the School Board for the East Baton Rouge School System (District 9). Our students, parents, and teachers deserve better leadership than we’ve had in many years. Our city cannot grow to our full potential without dramatic improvements in our educational system, for all parts of our community.

I am a proven leader with a long history of public and community service, and a very personal connection to education. I have been married for 11 years to my wonderful wife, Wendy Post Martin.

My 9 year old daughter is a student in a public charter school, my son went through the Catholic school system, and I myself attended EBR public schools, so I have personal experience with many parts of Baton Rouge education. Until I stepped down to run for the school board, I served on the board of BASIS Baton Rouge, a public Charter School, and I continue to help troubled youth by serving on the board of AMIKids – Baton Rouge.

I’ve had a passion for education my whole life. Many members of my immediate and extended family have been teachers, principals, and professors. I’ve worked professionally on educational issues since working in the administration of Governor Mike Foster. And I’ve spent my entire career promoting good government and strong leadership. I’ve prosecuted corrupt politicians, promoted good government as general counsel for the Legislative Auditor, and served Governor Mike Foster in his tremendous efforts to bring real, pragmatic reform to this state. For the past 17 years, I have worked at LSU, building collaborative teams to create major projects like Nicholson Gateway, the Charity Hospital Redevelopment, and the University Lakes project.

I want to use the leadership lessons I have learned over the past 30 years to improve the educational opportunities we provide to every single child in Baton Rouge.