Under the leadership of LaMont Cole, Superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, the district is centered on a straightforward commitment. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn well, feel safe, and pursue pathways that lead to meaningful futures. “We are trying to create a system where students can learn at a high level in a safe environment,” Cole explains. “That high level looks different for every student, but our responsibility is to make sure they have the support, the instruction, and the opportunities to reach it.” A VISION GROUNDED IN OPPORTUNITY AND BELONGING For Cole, the district’s mission extends well beyond academics. It begins with students feeling seen, supported, and confident enough to engage fully in their learning. “We want students to wake up every day and walk into a building that is clean, safe, and loving,” he says. “A place where teachers care about them, where they feel free to ask questions, explore their interests, and grow into who they want to be.” That philosophy shapes how the district approaches post-secondary preparation. Rather than funnelling students into a single outcome, the system is designed to equip them for multiple futures. “When students exit the K to 12 experiences, they should be able to walk into high-skilled, highdemand jobs,” Cole adds. “Or, if they choose college or the military, they should be fully prepared for that as well.” CONNECTING SCHOOL SUCCESS TO COMMUNITY SUCCESS A central theme of the district’s strategy is the recognition that public education plays a foundational role in Baton Rouge’s economic and social health. “The majority of the workforce in Baton Rouge comes from the public school system,” Cole states. “Even if families choose not to send their children to our schools, their lives are still impacted by how we prepare students.” 241 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM
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