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East Baton Rouge Parish School Board approves 2025–26 budget after public criticism on transparency
Summary
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board approved the proposed 2025–26 general and special revenue budgets, the budget resolution and salary schedules after public commenters raised concerns about engagement, enrollment accountability and central-office staffing.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on June 12 approved the proposed 2025–26 general fund and special revenue budgets, the accompanying budget resolution and the 2025–26 salary schedules after a brief public comment period and board discussion.
Public commenters had urged further delay and greater transparency. “The whole budget process felt extra secretive this year. Please postpone,” said online commenter Jody Johnson. Janelle Landry asked, “Where in this proposed budget is the accountability for enrollment declines?” and Sam Smith warned, “Please don't confuse burnout with apathy,” reflecting concerns about staffing levels and community engagement.
Why it matters: The budget funds the district's operations for the coming school year and was central to several questions about how savings from school realignment would be redeployed and how staffing will be adjusted as enrollment changes.
Board and staff said the budget incorporated community input gathered earlier in the year and attempts to place resources in priority classrooms. Superintendent Cole said the district worked with an outside consultant and “met with students. We met with teachers. We met with parents” before drafting the proposal, and that some savings from the realignment plan had been redeployed to foundational learning centers that will place “two educators in the classroom.”
Board procedure and vote: Board member Landis made the motion to adopt the budget; board member Lewis seconded. The secretary called the vote and the motion carried.
Context and next steps: Several board members asked that the district revisit assumptions once state actions and October enrollment counts are known. Board member Godet recommended using the October count and any legislative changes as a new base for adjustments later this year. The board did not postpone adoption; staff said they will continue to monitor and adjust as new information (legislative changes, October enrollment) becomes available.
A copy of the approved budget and the board's agenda materials remain available through the district's official records.
