East Baton Rouge board authorizes superintendent to pursue phased later school start times after heated public debate

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on March 19 voted to authorize Superintendent Lamont Cole to adjust school start times for district-operated schools over the next three years, attaching a requirement that the administration hold four public meetings annually—one offered virtually—and gather staff and school-level feedback before any specific schedule changes are implemented.

Supporters cited research on adolescent sleep and academic readiness as the rationale. “The scientific evidence is very clear,” said board member Barry Martin during debate, adding that many students who are in school early are not mentally ready to learn. Cole framed the request as fiscal and operational planning, saying the authorization would allow him to phase changes in without creating last-minute budget shortfalls and that any specific school recommendations would return to the board for review.

Opponents and many public commenters pressed for more outreach and criticized earlier communications. Parent Colleen Kissel said she learned a possible reassignment for her child from a posted presentation rather than direct district outreach and urged the board not to give a “blank check” to future administrators. Other speakers raised concerns about afterschool activities, caretaking and employer schedules, and whether teachers could pursue evening coursework if dismissed later.

Board members added safeguards to the motion. Martin’s motion, seconded by Vice President Lewis and amended by a friendly agreement, requires four community meetings per year (one virtual) and staff surveys for schools participating in changes. The board approved the amended motion on a roll-call vote; the secretary recorded all members present voting in favor.

What happens next: The authorization does not change any particular school’s bell time tonight. Cole and staff are expected to convene stakeholder meetings, gather school-level surveys and return proposals to the board before any individual-school changes take effect.