East Baton Rouge Parish School Board adopts resolution opposing current versions of Louisiana bills to create Saint George school system

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on Monday adopted a resolution opposing the current versions of Louisiana Senate Bill 25 and Senate Bill 234, legislation that would create a Saint George Community School System and seek a constitutional amendment for its funding.

The action, moved by Vice President Goday and seconded by Board Member Lanis, passed on a roll-call vote after public comment and more than an hour of board debate. President Stewart read the resolution into the record before the vote.

The resolution says the bills, as written, "place unfair burdens on the remaining students and residents of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System" and requests that the Louisiana House Education Committee delay action until amendments addressing the board's concerns are made. It also directs the board's general counsel to deliver a certified copy of the adopted resolution to each member of the East Baton Rouge Parish legislative delegation.

Board members and public speakers focused on several concrete concerns the resolution lists: an unfunded liability for post‑employment benefits (retiree health and life insurance), language that would require indefinite reciprocal access to magnet programs between the new and remaining districts, and the possible fiscal impacts to the district's Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funding.

"The proposed Senate Bill 234 does not address the East Baton Rouge Parish School System's unfunded liability arising from the post employment benefits," the resolution states as part of its justification. Board speakers and public commenters told the board they want a transition plan that protects students already enrolled in East Baton Rouge programs and a formula to apportion legacy liabilities so the remaining district does not absorb disproportionate costs.

Community members urged the board to press for explicit transition language and more data. "This legislation will strip away options for families like mine, cutting off our access to EBR magnet programs," said Malika Wyche, a Saint George resident and parent. James Laborde, PTA president at Mayfair Lab School, asked the board to supply historical usage data about Louisiana Revised Statute 17:105, which provides a mechanism for student transfers between districts by mutual agreement.

Several board members framed the issue as a choice between allowing Saint George voters to pursue a separate district and ensuring that a separation, if it occurs, is accompanied by an equitable sharing of assets and liabilities. "If you vote and you want to separate, that's fine. Take your proportional share of the liabilities that go with it," said Vice President Goday. Board Member Landis urged colleagues to take a firm stand to protect students who will remain in the district: "This is for every child across our district. I don't care what color you are, what creed you are, what political affiliation your family has. Do the right thing tonight."

Not all board members agreed on the timing or wording of the resolution. Several members said the board had not had time to collaborate on the final text and that some language could create a mixed message to legislators. Board Members Russ, Soule and Martin abstained from the vote, citing those concerns and saying they prefer legislative decision-making and more targeted amendments rather than an opposition resolution. The roll call recorded one "No," five "Yes," and three abstentions; the motion carried.

The resolution lists examples of previous district separations in Louisiana — Zachary, Baker and Central — and asks the state legislature to amend the bills to address legacy costs, magnet access in a finite transition period, and other specific financial and governance issues raised by the board.

The board did not adopt any specific legislative text or binding intergovernmental agreement; its action was limited to the adopted resolution and its direction that counsel send that resolution to the parish's legislative delegation. The resolution also requests that the House delay action on SB25 (the proposed constitutional amendment) and SB234 until amendments are made to address the board's concerns.

The meeting concluded after the vote; the board announced upcoming committee and budget meetings and adjourned.