Suspected thief unwelcome in Baton Rouge schools

Principals in East Baton Rouge Parish schools have received a message from the superintendent’s office, telling them that Montrell McCaleb and his organization, Empowering Students, are unwelcome in the schools.

McCaleb’s Web site  features pictures of him with Gov. Jindal, and a long list of corporate sponsors, including Raising Cane’s, Infiniti of Baton Rouge, Acura of Baton Rouge, Coca-Cola, The Advocate, Kleinpeter Dairy, Piccadilly Cafeterias and many more.

The Web site says that "Team Empowerment was founded in 2013 with the purpose of providing youth and young adults grades 3-8 with assistance with their academic studies and prepare them for the new Common Core Standards."

Earlier this year, McCaleb was booked with theft from the Capitol Area Transportation Service, where he was a member of the governing board. He is accused of stealing “nearly $1500 in bus system funds to pay his private satellite TV and cell phone bills.”

Here is the message that Superintendent Taylor sent to principals:

It is our understanding that Montrell McCaleb may contact you or e-mail you to request an appointment to discuss services he provides through his organization, Empowering Students.

Dr. Taylor asked me to let all principals know that under no circumstances has he given permission for Mr. McCaleb to contact you on his behalf about his program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you.