In his first year as superintendent, LaMont Cole challenged the East Baton Rouge Parish School System to dare to be great. More than just a motto, it became a mindset, fueling decisive action and student-centered innovation across the district.
Two standout initiatives this year—the districtwide building realignment and a pilot of later high school start times—underscore a new era of courageous leadership and strategic thinking.
Reimagining Space, Reinvesting in Students
For too long, under-enrolled schools stretched resources thin. Superintendent Cole’s realignment plan directly tackled that issue, consolidating and repurposing facilities to better match enrollment and invest public dollars where they matter most: in student success.
But this isn’t just about buildings. It’s about equity. The goal is to ensure every student learns in a modern, well-equipped environment with the staff, programs and support needed to thrive. With a process rooted in transparency and community input, the district has already made major strides toward that vision.
Putting Teen Health First
EBR’s early high school start times—some as early as 7:10 a.m.—put students at odds with their natural sleep rhythms. Research links early start times to sleep deprivation, poor academic outcomes, and mental health struggles.
This year, EBR launched a pilot to shift six high school campuses, including Glen Oaks and Capitol High, to an 8:50 a.m. start. The move reflects a science-backed approach to supporting teen wellness, focus, and academic performance. And while feedback is ongoing, early community response has been overwhelmingly positive.
A Culture Shift in Motion
Both initiatives are part of a broader cultural transformation under Superintendent Cole. EBR is moving with urgency and intention, putting students first, challenging the status quo, and building a future grounded in excellence.
“This year marked a turning point,” says Superintendent Cole. “Daring to be great means leading with vision, acting with courage, and believing in what’s possible for our students.”
As the district looks ahead, the message is clear: EBR is no longer playing it safe. It’s leading with purpose, and the impact is only beginning to unfold.
Learn more at ebrschools.org.