In a surprising upset, political newcomer Gabriela Biro has won the runoff election for the 2nd District Orleans Parish School Board seat, beating out longtime educator Eric “Doc” Jones. Biro, a professional hairstylist and community activist, received 55% of the vote compared to Jones’s 45%. The district she will represent includes New Orleans East, Kenilworth, Gentilly, Pontchartrain Park, and parts of the 9th Ward. Biro’s win follows a bitter campaign cycle that saw attacks on both candidates’ backgrounds.
Biro’s victory comes at a challenging time for the Orleans Parish School Board, with the recent resignation of NOLA Public Schools superintendent Avis Williams. The school board has appointed an interim superintendent and will be tasked with selecting a permanent successor in the next six months. Additionally, the district is still dealing with a major accounting error that led to budgeting issues in schools.
In the election, Biro expressed support for a potential shift away from the current system of independently operated charter schools, a stance that drew financial support from national pro-charter organizations. Despite attacks on her background just before the election, Biro ultimately prevailed.
Her win represents a shift in leadership for the Orleans Parish School Board, with Biro joining the incumbent board members in shaping the future of public education in New Orleans. Jones, who had the support of established political figures, fell short in the election despite a strong campaign.
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