The East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board made headlines during its public hearing on June 5, 2025, as discussions centered around the critical issue of school start times, particularly for high school students. Superintendent Cole and board members emphasized the need for later start times, a move that advocates argue could significantly improve student health and academic performance.

The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members, including disability advocate Jeannette Rawlings, who praised the board for its decision to shift start times, calling it a "tremendous accomplishment." Rawlings highlighted the detrimental effects of early start times on adolescents, noting that Louisiana has some of the earliest start times in the nation, which can harm students' mental and physical health.

A key point of contention arose regarding the exclusion of Arlington Preparatory Academy from the initial phase of the start time changes. Parents and advocates voiced strong support for including Arlington, which serves a high percentage of students with disabilities and economic disadvantages. They argued that these students, who often face additional challenges in their daily routines, deserve to benefit from later start times as a priority.

Forrest Raich, a student at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, shared his personal experiences with early mornings, emphasizing the exhaustion felt by students and teachers alike. His heartfelt plea underscored the broader consensus among students that later start times could lead to better engagement and learning outcomes.

Board members acknowledged the complexities involved in implementing these changes, particularly concerning transportation logistics. Superintendent Cole assured attendees that Arlington Preparatory Academy is slated for inclusion in the second phase of the start time adjustments, set for January 2026, as the board aims to ensure adequate transportation support for all students.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from board members to continue addressing the needs of all students, particularly those in vulnerable situations. As the EBR School Board moves forward with these changes, the community remains hopeful that later start times will pave the way for healthier, more productive school days for all students.