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In his first year as superintendent, LaMont Cole set an ambitious tone for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System with a challenge to every educator, administrator and student: “Dare to Be Great.” That message wasn’t just a slogan – it became the driving force behind bold decisions that are reshaping how the district serves its students.
Two of the most significant milestones this year – the districtwide building realignment and the pilot of new, later start times for high school students – demonstrate a commitment to innovation and student-centered thinking.
Realignment: Reinvesting in our students
For years, many EBR schools operated far below capacity. Empty classrooms translated to wasted resources and stretched budgets. Under Superintendent Cole’s leadership, the district developed a strategic realignment plan to better match school facilities with student enrollment, ensuring public dollars are spent wisely and efficiently.
The plan is more than a logistical adjustment. It’s about creating modern, high-quality learning environments and ensuring every school has the staffing, programming and support needed to thrive.
Through careful analysis, community engagement and transparency, EBR has already consolidated, repurposed and realigned facilities to better serve families across the parish.
Later start times: Putting student health first
Another game-changing step taken by the district this year is the proposed shift to later high school start times. Currently, EBR high schoolers begin as early as 7:10 a.m. – one of the earliest start times in the country. This schedule forces many teens to wake before 6 a.m., conflicting with their natural sleep cycles and contributing to chronic sleep deprivation.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other leading health organizations shows that insufficient sleep among adolescents is linked to higher rates of depression, poor academic performance, increased risk of accidents and other health concerns. By aligning school schedules with teen biology, students are more likely to experience better focus, improved grades, stronger mental health and even enhanced athletic performance.
The district’s pilot program proposes moving start times at six campuses, including Glen Oaks High and Capitol High, to 8:50 a.m. – a carefully studied shift that prioritizes student well-being while gathering feedback from families, staff and students. Community response has been strong, with many recognizing the potential for lasting academic and health benefits.
A culture of courage and action
Both the realignment and start time initiatives reflect a broader cultural shift happening in EBR Schools. Under Superintendent Cole’s leadership, the district is embracing change, thinking boldly and prioritizing long-term student outcomes over short-term convenience.
“This year was a turning point for our district – a clear reminder of what’s possible when we work with purpose, lead with courage and stay focused on students,” Cole says. “Daring to be great means believing in our potential, pushing boundaries and building a stronger future together.”
As the school system looks to the next academic year, the foundation has been laid for continued progress. Through smart planning, data-driven decisions and an unwavering focus on students, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System is transforming challenge into opportunity.
One year in, the message is clear: EBR isn’t afraid to rethink the status quo. It’s daring to be great – and the results are just beginning to show. Learn more at ebrschools.org.
