Baton Rouge schools propose closures and realignments to improve facilities and programs

In a bold move to reshape the educational landscape, the East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board has proposed a significant realignment plan that will impact 28 schools across the district. The plan, unveiled during the April 15, 2025 workshop, includes the closure of nine schools, leaving four buildings vacant and repurposing six others. This strategic shift aims to address the pressing need for improved facilities and educational outcomes for students.

Superintendent Dr. Sito Narcisse emphasized the financial constraints facing the district, stating that addressing all facility needs would require an estimated $129 million—an amount the district simply cannot afford. "We have to think about how to maintain newer facilities while addressing older ones," he noted, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The proposed changes are expected to save the district approximately $5.7 million immediately.

The realignment plan is designed to enhance educational opportunities for 2,239 students, with 71% moving to higher-performing schools and 43% transitioning to better-conditioned buildings. Dr. Narcisse passionately argued that every student deserves access to quality education and facilities, stating, "It is their birthright, and we believe we should give them what they deserve."

Key components of the plan include the establishment of 13 specialty programs and 16 attendance zone changes aimed at improving feeder patterns and reducing transportation times for students. The proposal also includes the creation of foundational learning centers for kindergarten through second grade, which will feature two adults in each classroom to better support students, particularly those from underserved communities.

The board's recommendations extend to specific schools, such as the closure of Winburn Elementary and the relocation of its students to Belfair Montessori, which is set to expand its program. The plan also addresses the need for improved facilities, with several schools identified for closure due to poor conditions, including Capital High and Bernard Terrace.

As the board prepares to move forward with these recommendations, Dr. Narcisse urged community members to keep an open mind, emphasizing that the changes are driven by a commitment to providing better educational outcomes for all students in the district. The anticipated outcomes of this realignment could reshape the educational experience for thousands of students in East Baton Rouge, setting a new standard for quality and accessibility in the region's schools.