Public commenter urges Tangipahoa board president to be held accountable after roadside incident

During public input on May 19, resident and public commenter Mr. Lawrence told the Tangipahoa Parish School System board he observed Mr. Anthony in a crash on J.W. Davis and said he was troubled by the president’s conduct after the collision. Lawrence said he spoke with Mr. Anthony at the scene, that the exchange grew heated, and that Mr. Anthony used language he considered inappropriate and lacking in compassion toward the other driver.

"I asked him if he would at least consider using that as an opportunity to minister or coach the young man that was involved in the wreck," Lawrence said. He told the board some of Mr. Anthony's comments amounted to name-calling and that the president refused to "exhibit some form of leadership in this situation." Lawrence asked the board to hold Mr. Anthony accountable and said, "I do expect you to step down from your role of president and just become a normal board member."

The commenter said he was not seeking to smear the individual’s public office but believed the conduct was inconsistent with the leadership role. The meeting record shows no board action on the comment during the session; the president closed the meeting shortly afterward.

Board procedure allows public comment to be heard; any formal ethics or personnel action would require an agenda item and further board consideration.