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Board approves millages, contracts and namings; online commenters question $82,500 evaluator
Summary
At its March 5 meeting the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board approved a professional services contract, levied 2026 millages, adopted the 2026–27 calendar and approved several facility namings and policy revisions; online commenters urged greater rigor for an $82,500 contract.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on March 5 approved a package of routine and substantive items, including a professional services contract for an external evaluator, the district’s 2026 millage resolution, the 2026–27 school calendar and several facility naming requests.
Professional services contract: The board approved a professional services agreement with Empower for Good LLC to serve as an external evaluator for Project Red Stick (the district’s MSAP magnet program) for $82,500. Online comments read into the record raised concerns about the evaluator’s approach and rigor. An online commenter, Jessica Vargas, said it was "not clear this evaluator has the skills to truly make a breakthrough" with staff who are “routinely distrustful of outsiders.” Another commenter, Randall Johnson, flagged what he called a typographical error in the FAQ and urged clearer communication about grant targets.
Millages: The board adopted a resolution levying the district’s 2026 tax mills as required by law. The resolution set component millages including a constitutional tax (5.25 mills), a special maintenance tax (1.04 mills), additional public schools aid (6.50 mills), additional teachers (2.78 mills) and multiple allocations noted for employee salaries and benefits and to replace reduced state and local receipts (4.98 mills), among others. Board members said voting on the resolution this year was a procedural requirement to set the 2026 tax roll.
Calendar and policies: The board approved the 2026–27 district calendar and several policy revisions related to surplus equipment sales, emergency/crisis management, recruitment and employee dismissal and conduct. Virtual commenters asked that the board ensure the recruitment timeline aligns with surrounding districts and requested clearer communications so teachers are not unexpectedly required to change their workday.
Namings and dedications: After presentations by Scotlandville Magnet High School students and support from alumni and Councilman Anthony Kenny, the board approved dedications at Scotlandville (Howard Davis Gymnasium; Carlos Sample Court; William Breda Stadium; Lloyd Norwood Field). The board also approved dedications for Glen Oaks Senior High School facilities (Shirley Singleton Auditorium of Performing Arts; Nolan Gill Field House) after confirming compliance with naming rules for athletic facilities.
Litigation recommendation: The board approved a settlement recommendation in a personal‑injury matter (Jonathan Alexander v. East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, suit C757194, 19th JDC) as recommended by general counsel.
Where noted, the board acted by motion and voice vote or roll call; for items with online or public comments board members acknowledged those concerns and asked staff for follow‑up or clarification.
