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School board declines $445,000 Kids Orchestra contract after debate over funding fairness
Summary
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board voted down a $445,000 contract for Kids Orchestra after members raised concerns about recurring funding to single nonprofits, procurement fairness and budget stewardship.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on July 17 defeated a motion to approve a $445,000 professional services contract with Kids Orchestra to provide an after-school orchestra program for the 2025–26 school year.
The item drew sustained debate after board members removed it from the consent agenda for separate consideration. The superintendent had recommended the contract, which the administration listed with funding from the general fund and Title IV sources.
Board members said they support arts programming but differed sharply on whether the district should repeatedly fund the same outside nonprofit. "We're not your funders," said Coach Cliff Lewis, a board member who argued the contract represents poor stewardship if it becomes an annual reliance.…
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