South Baton Rouge Charter Academy renewal approved; trustees press for corrected EL data and improvement plan

The Charter Office recommended a four-year renewal for South Baton Rouge Charter Academy (SoBa). Principal Ashley Chavis spoke to academic data and enrollment characteristics in response to trustee questions.

Board member Martin asked for clarity about academic performance metrics that showed lower mastery percentages in ELA, math and science compared with district and state averages. Principal Chavis explained that under the current SPS configuration the school is classified as a "C" and pointed to the school’s 30% English-learner population, which affects SPS weighting. She said the school is focusing on moving students from "basic" to "mastery," noting that mastery will be emphasized under the new SPS calculation.

President Stewart asked staff to correct an apparent error in the published packet that listed 0% limited-English-proficient for 2024–25; Chavis and staff confirmed that figure is inaccurate and should reflect the school’s EL population. After discussion and a motion to approve, the board approved the renewal.