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Charter schools offer teachers, parents and community members the opportunity to create new public schools in response to community needs. In return, these chartered schools agree to be held accountable by their authorizer- the EBRPSS- for student performance outcomes. If the charter school fails to produce the promised student outcomes, the authorizer may intervene in a variety of ways, and, as a last resort, can close the school. Quality charter school authorizing is the linchpin of the charter promise of accountability for results and the creation of quality educational opportunities. While EBRPSS is not responsible for the ultimate success or failure of a charter school, the district impacts that outcome by providing strong oversight and accountability.
Recognizing new and innovative ways of carrying out our mission, EBRPSS has become a charter authorizer. The district engages in pro-active relationships and a value added approach to the schools with which we partner. During the start-up phase of the process, EBRPSS staff works closely with founding groups to ensure a successful opening. Once operational, EBRPSS staff monitors the financial, organizational and academic performance of its schools through frequent communication, regularly scheduled site visits, and data/ document reviews. The district recognizes the great challenges and difficulties in starting a school and provides support in navigating the process while respecting the autonomy and uniqueness of each school.
A copy of the board approved district charter policy may be found here.
East Baton Rouge Parish School Board 2025-26 District Charter School Application Process
for Schools Opening in the 2027-28 School Year or Beyond
Forms and Information Needed for Submission of a Type 1 or Type 3 Charter School Proposal
In compliance with R.S. 17:3982, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is making public through our website, and in printed form upon request, the guidelines for submitting a charter proposal, all forms required for submission of a charter proposal, the timelines established for accepting and reviewing charter proposals, the process that will be used to review charter proposals submitted to the board, and the name and contact information for a primary point of contact for charter proposals.
Per August 2024 update to Bulletin 126, §311: upon submission of an application for a Type 1 or Type 3 charter school to a local charter authorizer, each applicant shall provide notice to the LDOE. Submission to LDOE should be complete using the Jotform link: https://ldoeforms.jotform.com/242324710353144.
I. Charter School Application
Applicants should complete the 2025-2026 Common Charter School Application found here.
Applicants should complete the appropriate application based on designation as a New Charter Operator or Experienced Charter Operator.
II.Charter School Process Schedule
August 25, 2025: LDOE releases common applications and toolboxes with application resources.
September 8, 2025: Deadline for local school authorizers to release Charter Requests for Applications, Timeline, Process, and Point of Contact.
October 20, 2025: Local school boards submission deadline for the full application for Type 1 and Type 3 applicants. Applicants should email all application components to tlockett2@ebrschools.org.
November 7, 2025: Local school boards notify LDOE and state legislators of charter applications received within each district.
January 29, 2026: Last day for East Baton Rouge Parish School Board to make decisions to approve or deny charter applications.
January 30, 2026: Local school boards notify LDOE of board recommendations.
III. Charter Application Review Process
All charter applications will be reviewed by an independent evaluator with educational, organizational, legal, and financial expertise. Applicants will have the opportunity to provide to the evaluator a written response to the independent evaluation of their charter application before the evaluator provides a final recommendation to East Baton Rouge Parish School Board.
IV. Charter School Contact Information
Individuals or organizations with questions about the district’s charter application process should contact: Dr. Tale Lockett, Executive Director of Charter Schools
tlockett2@ebrschools.org
225-326-2057
Posted 9/10/2025
Dr. Tale Lockett
Executive Director of Charter Schools
225-326-2057
Courtney Turner
Principal Liaison of Charter Schools
225-256-7318
Kendle Davis
Coordinator of Special Support
Kashanna Bridges
Director of Innovation and Federal Programs
225-922-5505
For charter school administrative materials, please see the resources listed below.