East Baton Rouge School Board plans to close nine schools including historic Capital High

The East Baton Rouge School Board convened a special meeting on April 28, 2025, to discuss significant changes affecting local schools, including the closure and repurposing of several facilities. Superintendent Cole presented a plan addressing the district's pressing issues, notably the staggering $130 million in deferred maintenance costs and declining student enrollment in certain areas.

The proposed plan includes the closure of nine schools, leaving four vacant and repurposing six others, which will impact over 10,000 students and 1,400 staff members. Superintendent Cole emphasized the need for these changes to ensure students have access to safe, high-quality educational environments and certified teachers. He urged the board to approve the plan, highlighting a comprehensive strategy for transitioning affected schools and supporting staff during this process.

However, the meeting also featured passionate public comments from community members, particularly alumni of Capital High School, who expressed strong opposition to the proposed closure of their historic institution. Speakers like Eureka Gaston and Alfred Bell articulated their concerns about the school's legacy and its significance to the African American community in Baton Rouge. They argued that instead of closing Capital High, it should be preserved as a historical monument, reflecting its role as one of the few educational institutions available to Black students during the Jim Crow era.

The public comments underscored a broader concern about institutional decisions that have historically marginalized certain communities. Many attendees called for a reevaluation of the district's approach to zoning and student enrollment, suggesting that adjusting school boundaries could help increase attendance at Capital High and other under-enrolled schools.

As the board deliberates on the proposed changes, the community remains engaged and vocal about the future of their schools, emphasizing the need for decisions that honor the past while addressing current educational challenges. The outcome of this meeting could have lasting implications for the East Baton Rouge community, shaping the educational landscape for years to come.