The East Baton Rouge School Board has taken significant steps to enhance academic support for students in urgent need of intervention. During the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 4, 2025, board members approved a funding initiative aimed at improving ACT preparation across several high schools identified as needing critical intervention.

The funding, totaling $130,000, is designated for schools labeled as UIR (Urgent Intervention Required) and CIR (Critical Intervention Required). This initiative will provide access to the ACT platform for all students in grades 10 through 12, regardless of their enrollment in specific classes. This broader access aims to ensure that students who may not be in traditional ACT prep classes still receive the necessary resources and training to succeed.

Superintendent Cole emphasized that this funding differs from the existing Bridal organization contract, which is limited to specific classes within the master schedule. The new initiative will allow for comprehensive support, including professional development for teachers and access to the ACT WorkKeys platform, which is essential for career readiness.

The schools benefiting from this funding include Arlington, Bel Air, Baton Rouge Virtual, Lehi Oaks High, Agrama, McKinley, Nortel, Tara, and Woodlawn High. The board also expressed a commitment to include additional schools like Capital and Northeast, ensuring that all students receive the support they need.

In addition to the ACT initiative, the board approved a professional services contract with Public Consulting Group LLC, not to exceed $150,000, to conduct a district-wide special education review. This review aims to align the district's practices with state monitoring requirements, further enhancing educational support for all students.

These decisions reflect the board's ongoing commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that all students in the East Baton Rouge Parish have access to the resources necessary for academic success. As the district moves forward, the board will monitor the impact of these initiatives and gather performance data to assess their effectiveness.