The East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board convened on June 5, 2025, for a public hearing and Committee of the Whole meeting, addressing several key agenda items focused on improving student attendance and operational efficiency within the district.

The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the agenda, which passed without public comments. The first significant discussion centered on the introduction of new job descriptions for attendance support specialists and school registrars. Superintendent Cole explained that these roles aim to enhance attendance tracking and reduce truancy rates by allowing dedicated personnel to focus solely on attendance issues. This initiative is expected to improve communication with parents and ensure accurate record-keeping regarding student attendance.

Board member Belous inquired about the reporting structure for the new positions, confirming that the attendance support specialists would report to the registrars. The superintendent emphasized the importance of these roles in managing attendance data and conducting outreach to families, particularly in light of the district's transient student population. The board expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the need for dedicated staff to address attendance challenges.

The meeting then transitioned to a discussion regarding a proposed contract increase for HES Facilities Management, amounting to $960,000, to account for a 4% cost of living adjustment for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Cole reported improvements in service delivery from HES, attributing this to enhanced communication and collaboration between the school district and the facilities management team. Board member Lanus highlighted the importance of fair compensation for custodial staff, noting that many of these workers come from the local community and deserve adequate pay for their efforts.

The board unanimously supported the contract increase, acknowledging the necessity of maintaining clean and safe school environments, especially during the summer months when deep cleaning occurs. The discussion underscored the board's commitment to transparency and accountability in managing contracts and ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to support both staff and students.

In conclusion, the EBR School Board meeting on June 5, 2025, focused on critical initiatives aimed at improving student attendance and operational efficiency. The board's decisions reflect a proactive approach to addressing challenges within the district, with an emphasis on supporting both students and staff through dedicated resources and fair compensation.