Dear EBRPSS Team,

As we turn our attention to the boundless opportunities that lie ahead in the new year, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for what the future holds. Resolutions may not always stick; however, if we continue to live intentionally and stride forward with purpose-driven motivation - we won't just meet our goals - we will shatter even our own greatest expectations. We can start by taking a deeper dive into the word resolution and its relationship to the word, resolve. In honoring the purest definition of this word, we must renew our firm determination to collectively find solutions and bring clarity to the uncertainty before us.

The year 2021 still presents challenges for us to overcome. Over winter break I encouraged staff to think of creative and unique proposals to address some of the biggest obstacles our students will face this year. We know this work cannot be done alone or in isolation. We need collaborators committed to the children of this community. We are seeking thought-partners to help us devise innovative and strategic solutions to move us forward. Committed as one team with one mission, we must expand our toolkits, dust off our inner dreamer, and reimagine an equitable educational landscape across this city. While this may be a tall task, it’s far from impossible.

Per Governor John Bel Edwards' latest announcement today, The East Baton Rouge Parish School System will continue to function within the modified Phase 2 plan, which allows schools to operate using Phase 3 guidelines. Our team continues to meet regularly with our health advisory committee consisting of physicians from Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and representatives from the Louisiana Department of Health. We thank these professionals for their dedicated partnership.  Guided by the recommendations of experts, we are committed to remaining open as a school district for face-to-face learning unless we are otherwise instructed by state agencies. Classroom and school closures are currently being made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with local health officials' guidance. We will continue to offer family choice to provide access to robust virtual learning opportunities to those who seek an alternative option. Please help us keep our schools safe by staying home when sick, wearing face masks, and taking all the necessary health precautions.

As always, it is a privilege to serve alongside each of you. I look forward to what the new year has in store for our schools and our community. Together, we will continue to ‘Build the Future of Baton Rouge.’

Sincerely, 

Adam Smith

EBRPSS Interim Superintendent