East Baton Rouge Parish School Superintendent LaMont Cole says summer may be out for students, but the work is ramping up for school leaders. During a recent appearance on Talk 107.3, Cole discussed everything from graduation disruptions to proposed teacher pay raises across the district.
One of the biggest topics was the growing debate over graduation celebrations. Cole said students deserve to celebrate a major life milestone, but some ceremonies have become disruptive. He noted that lengthy celebrations can prevent families from hearing other graduates’ names and create scheduling problems at venues such as LSU, Southern University, and the Raising Cane’s River Center.
Cole said the conversation should focus on expectations rather than punishment. He believes schools must find a way to honor student achievement while ensuring every graduate and family receives equal recognition during the ceremony. He also warned that some venues have discussed limiting future graduation events if disruptions continue…