Carlos Sam, director of Innovative & Specialized Programs for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, was elected a director-at-large for the national Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Board.  Sam’s MSA election occurred at the recent national Magnet Schools of America Conference in Tampa.  He is one of seven directors-at-large that serve on the MSA Board.

“Coupled with Baton Rouge Magnet High School Principal Nanette McCann's recent national Magnet Teacher of the Year Award and four magnet schools in the district achieving national recognition for its Magnet Program, Mr. Sam's appointment in a national position further strengthens the fact that our school district has many reasons to be proud of its schools, administrators and students,” said Superintendent John Dilworth.

Sam has completed 30-plus hours above a master’s degree in Education at Southern University and A&M College and Louisiana State University.  He also holds a Master’s of Administration and Supervision from Southern University and A&M College.  He served a principal of Park Forest Middle School previously and was selected the School System’s 2001-2002 Principal of the Year.  Professionally, Sam is a certified Model-Netics Management trainer and a mentor for the Louisiana Educational Leaders Induction Program.

In his application for the MSA Board position, Sam wrote, “I possess the knowledge of educational standards and the leadership experience necessary to create and sustain a nationally comprehensive school choice process that will ensure equal instructional and professional opportunities for educational leaders to help guide, influence and shape the organizational goals and objectives of Magnet Schools of America.”

Magnet Schools of America provides leadership for innovative instructional programs that promote equity, diversity, and academic excellence for all students in public school choice programs. The Association advocates the passage of national and state legislation promoting school desegregation, theme-based/specialty education, and public schools of choice.  MSA supports and serves the leaders and teachers of magnet and/or specialized schools, while promoting the development of new magnet and public schools of choice.