East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Meeting - February 6, 2025

Opening

• Invocation: Led by Nathan Russ.
• Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Emily Sule.
• Roll Call: Quorum present.

Fiscal Transparency Report

• Information available on Board Docs.

School Presentation

• Westdale Middle School:
  • Presented by Principal Ramona Rimble.
  • Highlights:
    • Aquaponics program, foreign language immersion, arts, and high school credit courses.
    • Awards: Louisiana State Student of the Year, Magnet School of Excellence.
    • Athletic achievements.
    • Continuous improvement focused on reading, writing, inquiry, and collaboration.
    • Instructional frameworks include small group instruction and targeted intervention.
    • Engagement and development of lifelong learners emphasized.

OT/PT Provider Selection Update

• Presented by Mr. Clemens:
  • RFP process began December 19th.
  • Two proposals under evaluation.
  • Final recommendations expected by February 10th.

Unfinished Business

• HES Contract Amendment:
  • Pulled from agenda pending data collection.
  • Deferred indefinitely.

External Agreements and Grants

• LSU Extern Agreement: Extended for one year, valued at $15,999.
  • Supports STEM pathways and offers LSU certificates.
• Real Time Early Access to Literacy (REAL) Grant: Accepted, $12,750 for literacy tutoring.
• Academic Distinction Fund Grant: $155,000 accepted to build a playhouse at Southdowns PreK Center.

Contracts and Services

• K12 Insights: $190,000 for customer service platform.
• Bailey Education Group: $107,800 for special education professional development.
• Amplify Education: $288,400 for science resources coaching.

Infrastructure

• Banks Elementary Demolition:
  • Approved for demolition to reduce blight.
  • Discussion on the need for removing vacant buildings to improve community environments.

School Year Calendar

• 2025-2026 Calendar:
  • Developed with input from 33 committee members.
  • Balanced days and considerations for instructional time.
  • Discussion on half-days and potential schedule adjustments.

Litigation

• Approval of legal recommendation in the case of Nina Dylan vs. EBR Parish School Board.

Announcements

• Next regular meeting: February 20, 2025.
• Next Committee of the Whole meeting: March 13, 2025.

The meeting was adjourned.