Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by The East Baton Rouge Parish School System.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is Making a Significant Investment in the People Who Make Student Success Possible Every Day
On June 11, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board approved its FY 2026-27 budget, which includes salary increases for teachers and support staff across the district. Beginning July 1, the starting salary for teachers will rise from $50,000 to $56,000, reinforcing the district’s commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality educators.
Competitive salaries play an important role in building a strong workforce. Increased compensation helps school systems recruit talented new teachers, retain experienced
educators, and create stable learning environments that support student achievement.
“Our employees are the foundation of student success, and this investment reflects the value we place on recruiting and retaining outstanding educators and staff,” said Superintendent LaMont Cole. “This proposed salary structure is designed to ensure our compensation system is fair, competitive and supportive of long-term career growth.”
For many educators, the approved raises represent more than an increase in pay. They reflect recognition of the dedication, expertise, and countless hours teachers and staff devote to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.
“I’ve worked under four or five superintendents who kept promising a raise and we kept getting stipends, so Superintendent Cole has delivered on something, and this is a big something,” said Kirk Green, a seventh-grade U.S. history teacher at Westdale Middle School.
“I’ve known teachers who were considering moving to neighboring districts, not because they don’t like EBR, but because they have to make a living. We love teaching. It’s a calling, but it’s also how we pay our bills. This pay raise is across the board, not just for teachers, so everyone is getting something. Nothing is perfect, but this is substantial and we appreciate it.”
The budget also includes major investments that support student learning and district priorities, including:
- $17.1 million for literacy and foundational learning initiatives
- $18.8 million for workforce development and career readiness programs
- $6.3 million for safety and security enhancements
- $64.3 million for facility upgrades and improvements across the district
- The district’s FY 2026-27 budget totals approximately $836.4 million and reflects months of stakeholder input, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making. Together, these investments strengthen classrooms, support employees, and position EBR Schools for continued success.
