Welcome to the East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS), home to nine U.S. Blue Ribbon Schools, a nationally renowned Magnet Program and some of the best high schools in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. We are currently the second largest public school system in the state, serving more than 42,850 students.

Through the hard work and dedication of our 6,250 employees, of which 3,757 are teachers, our district continues to show a strong and steady increase in its average District Performance Score (DPS). According to the latest state test results, state data showed an overall growth for EBRPSS of 4.2 points, which indicates an improvement from the 2010 DPS of 82 points to 86.2 points this year.  In the past four years, the district’s performance has increased by 13.9 points.  Eighty-seven percent of the district’s schools showed growth. We are moving the right direction.

With help from our dedicated staff, students and community partners, we are committed to providing safe and secure sites for all students and staff.  Construction is underway at Baton Rouge Magnet High School as the historic campus gets a multi-million-dollar facelift, and we look forward to breaking ground soon for a new Progress Elementary School, which will be housed at its current location.

We also are working actively with our community in rewriting our Strategic Plan, and we are attempting to identify truant students so we can provide services that will bring them back to school.  Our partnership with the District Attorney’s Office and others will mean we can identify why a child is missing school and possibly provide services to the student and his or her family so students can get back to the task at hand – attending classes and learning.

Together, we can make a difference in East Baton Rouge public schools.

Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
East Baton Rouge Parish School System


December 17, 2012

To the East Baton Rouge Parish School System Family:

I know that all of you are deeply saddened by the shooting deaths of 26 people – including 20 very young children – at a Connecticut elementary school last Friday.  On behalf of the entire administration and the School Board, we want to express our sympathy to these parents and families and, if an opportunity presents itself, assist them and show our support in any way possible.

While no public site can be totally protected at all times, this School System has made every effort possible to ensure we are as prepared as can be at our schools.  We have a school safety task force, in-school emergency plans and a strong relationship with all the local law enforcement agencies.  Many schools have Sheriff’s deputies on site throughout the day.

As teachers, administrators and other employees of the school district, you are an important part of this process.  You are involved in regular crisis trainings and exercises.  In addition, our school staff is very diligent in conducting constant walk-throughs, funneling foot traffic through a main entrance, doing periodic searches of schools and utilizing metal detectors and security cameras.

Probably our most important defense, however, is the relationships we form with our students and families.  You are responsible for many students having a sense of trust with you and feeling comfortable enough to come to us with inside tips.  We ask you to continue this good work in developing close relationships with students and their families.  Not only will you know firsthand when a student or family is having a serious issue, but you also help us prevent a similar tragedy by keeping us informed of rumors regarding fights, threats or weapons in a timely manner.  Most of the weapons, drugs and violence tips we get come from our students, who also have a vested interest in keeping their school safe.

To be further prepared, take a moment to review your school's and the district's crisis and emergency response plans.  Remember, the district has an Emergency Response Information Portal in place, as well, in which administrators have access and have been trained.  If you feel there is a need for more plan review or a table-top demonstration or exercise at your school, please ask your principal about organizing it.

In the meantime, today we will have counselors and I CARE Program team professionals available to staff and students at our schools in case assistance is needed in dealing with this national tragedy. If anyone feels the need for their services, please call I CARE at (225) 226-CARE.  Other local resources for student and family counseling services are:  Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge (225) 924-0123, Family Road at (225) 201-8888, HOPE Ministries at (225) 355-0702 and Catholic Community Services at (225) 336-8770.

In addition, employees and their families have access to the Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential service for those experience difficulty in dealing with personal and work-related problems affecting their lives.  Those interested in the services can call 1-(866) 374-6062 or visit www.liveandworkwell.com.  

Each of you and our children are precious.  By working together, we can greatly reduce the likelihood of a similar tragedy.  We take this solemn duty very seriously.  Thank you for helping us keep our children safe and secure.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr.
Superintendent, East Baton Rouge Parish School System


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