Board approves prior minutes, schedules expulsion appeals and hears superintendent evaluation praise

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on Dec. 4 approved minutes from recent meetings, scheduled consideration of student expulsion appeals and discussed the superintendent’s annual performance evaluation.

A motion to approve the school board minutes from Nov. 6 (committee of the whole) and Nov. 20 (regular meeting) was made by "mister Martin" and seconded by "mister Lewis." A roll-call vote followed; the chair announced the motion carried after affirmative votes were recorded.

Under items for consideration, the board introduced two student-expulsion appeals. The board noted that either appeal could be heard in executive session under Louisiana Revised Statute LRS 42:6.117 at the guardian’s option. A motion to hear the first appeal at the next regular meeting was moved and seconded; board members also discussed an IT access problem preventing some members from opening supporting files and a video for the second appeal and agreed to troubleshoot access issues before proceeding.

Board members used the meeting to offer public praise for Superintendent Cole. Several members commended his leadership and the strength of his executive team during his first year. "I’d just like to commend Superintendent Cole for a job well begun," one board member said. Another said, "Superintendent Cole has led with vision this year," and several members pledged continued support as the district pursues improvement.

The board also announced upcoming meetings, including a special meeting and committee-of-the-whole on Jan. 8, 2026, and a regular meeting on Jan. 15, 2026, then adjourned.