East Baton Rouge schools hire Prismatic to study bus routing and possible start‑time pilot

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on May 15 approved a $245,000 professional services contract with Prismatic to evaluate district transportation routing, reduce transfer bus use and explore a pilot to change school start times.

The contract, funded from the general fund, directs Prismatic and its team to work with district transportation staff on routing efficiencies, “decreasing transfer sites” and to assess whether a start‑time pilot could be implemented at selected schools, Superintendent Cole said. “We have not identified any schools,” Cole said, adding the consultant would help the district determine options and costs and support community conversations beginning in June.

Why it matters: transportation routes and school start times affect bus schedules, staffing, family childcare arrangements and could require systemwide operational changes. Board members repeatedly asked that any recommendation to pilot different start times return to the board for formal approval and requested clear, measurable metrics for the contract’s outcomes.

Board discussion and next steps: Charles Soucy of The Advocate asked whether the contract itself authorized changes to start times or only the study; Cole and board members said the contract is for study and planning and that any pilot or schedule change would be a separate decision brought to the board. Board Member Russ asked the administration to present specific, measurable KPIs in June so the board can evaluate results at the contract’s end; Cole said those metrics will be provided in June. Board Member Martin made the motion to approve; Russ seconded. The motion passed on a board vote.

Consultant role and schedule: Cole said Prismatic’s team has been working with the district for months and will be “boots on the ground” through January to help reroute buses, identify transfer‑site reductions and scope any start‑time pilot. The superintendent and several board members emphasized community engagement, principal involvement and careful timing so families and staff have time to prepare if changes are recommended.

Public comment and cautions: A reporter and multiple board members urged clarity that the contract funds analysis and planning only; any change to school start times or specific school selection would require subsequent board consideration. Board members also noted the short calendar window ahead of next school year and encouraged the district to move expeditiously while communicating with affected families and employees.

The board approved the contract after debate about scope and reporting requirements. Cole committed to return to the board with outcome metrics and to present any recommendation to pilot different start times before implementation.