EBR Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole Marks First 100 Days with Bold Vision

BATON ROUGE, La. – In his first 100 days as East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Superintendent, LaMont Cole has taken swift action to improve school security, close failing charter schools, and build a leadership team that aligns with his ambitious vision. Speaking at a luncheon at The Water Campus on February 21, 2025, Cole outlined his strategic roadmap under the theme, "Turning Vision Into Action."

A Leader Committed to Change

Surrounded by longtime colleagues, school board members, and local leaders, Cole emphasized the need for bold changes. Mayor-President Sid Edwards, former Istrouma High football coach, praised Cole's leadership, calling it a "magical" time for the district.

“You have a superintendent here who is getting it done,” Edwards said.

Cole, a Baton Rouge native and Tara High graduate, passionately spoke about exposing students to experiences beyond their neighborhoods, ensuring they are prepared for both local and global opportunities.

Addressing Declining Enrollment and School Consolidation

One of Cole’s most pressing challenges is addressing declining enrollment and the district’s surplus of school buildings. Currently, EBR Parish schools have the capacity for 60,000 students but serve fewer than 40,000.

“We have enough seats available to overflow the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, and we don’t have the students to fill them,” Cole said.

To tackle this issue, he announced plans for school consolidations, which he calls “alignment.” A school board vote is set for April, and a website has been launched to keep the community informed. Additionally, a citizen advisory committee and public meetings will help guide the decision-making process.

Upgrading Facilities and Closing Underperforming Schools

Cole has tapped Baton Rouge native and electrical engineer Pamela Whitley to spearhead the consolidation effort. She previously led a 25-year FAA initiative to modernize airports, a role that required balancing upgrades with necessary closures.

Decisions on which schools will be upgraded, merged, or closed will be based on academic performance, building conditions, and student enrollment. Cole has already shut down three schools, including two charter schools, and remains committed to reducing the number of D- and F-rated schools.

“A student in an underutilized, outdated facility with a non-certified teacher deserves the opportunity to transition to a modern school with highly qualified educators in a safe and clean environment,” Cole said.

He also assured the public that closed school properties would not be left abandoned, promising swift action to repurpose or redevelop them.

Improving School Safety with Cutting-Edge Technology

Recognizing recent security concerns, Cole has prioritized strengthening school safety measures. He secured approval for AI-powered weapons detectors, set to be tested in four high schools beginning in March. Additionally, he is collaborating with Mayor-President Edwards to introduce violence intervention specialists into schools.

“Our families should never fear their children being in our presence,” Cole said.

Building Stronger Schools Through Leadership and Community Engagement

Cole has been proactive in mentoring new principals and working closely with Deputy Superintendent Adam Smith to support struggling high schools. He believes that leadership development is crucial to school success.

Retired Southern University professor Lisa Delpit praised Cole’s ability to connect with diverse groups and build unity.

“He is a person who brings together a lot of different people, and there aren’t many who can do that,” Delpit said.

Meanwhile, school board vice president Mike Gaudet admitted initial concerns about Cole’s experience but now commends his willingness to seek knowledge and collaborate.

“It’s not so much about what you know, but knowing what you don’t know,” Gaudet said. “And I think Cole is very good at that.”

Looking Ahead: Bold Moves for a Brighter Future

As he looks beyond his first 100 days, Cole remains steadfast in his mission to elevate EBR Parish Schools. His initiatives focus on academic excellence, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement—all while ensuring students feel safe and supported.

“We have to be honest about the challenges we face so we can fix them,” he said. “And we cannot pretend that doing the same things over and over again will bring change.”

With a clear vision and decisive leadership, Cole is setting the stage for a transformed and thriving school district.