The East Baton Rouge Parish School System officially launched the 2026-27 school year with a convocation on Aug. 4 at Southern University.
The event brought together all employees for a morning of celebration, inspiration and renewed purpose as they prepared to welcome students back to school.
This year’s theme, “No Turning Back,” reflects the district’s continued commitment to excellence and the momentum built through academic growth, innovation and a shared focus on student success.
“Years from now, one of your students may stand on this very stage and talk about the teachers who inspired them, and that teacher could very well be you,” said Superintendent LaMont Cole. “That’s the power of public education. That’s the power of the teacher. That is the power of the East Baton Rouge Parish school system.”
Cole pointed to several high-profile changes during his two-year tenure, including school closures, expanding later start times and significant gains on standardized tests. He also cited the employee pay raises approved in June, which boosted average teacher salaries by about $8,500 and increased starting teacher pay to $56,000 annually.
The convocation also featured remarks from Mayor-President Sid Edwards, School Board President Shashonnie Steward and Vice President Cliff Lewis, along with performances by EBR Schools employee musicians and bands from Liberty Magnet and Woodlawn high schools.
The annual convocation served as both a celebration of the district’s accomplishments and a rallying point for the work ahead.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XDXH52GODDb6b-xzZZHDA2GysTYZ5UUD
