East Baton Rouge (EBR) Schools Superintendent Lamont Cole joins the show to discuss a challenging week for the district, addressing several incidents that have occurred. He begins by acknowledging the responsibility he holds as Superintendent and apologizes to the community for the negative representation these incidents have caused.
The first incident involved a fight at a middle school basketball game between a parent and a coach, which escalated into a brawl. Cole explains that the principal had decided not to have security at the game due to the low attendance, but this decision has since been changed to mandate security at all games.
The second incident was a video showing four-year-olds fighting in a classroom while adults laughed and did not intervene. Cole expresses his frustration and anger at the adults’ behavior, emphasizing the need for better role models and teaching for young children.
The third incident involved a student bringing a weapon to school, hidden in the cushion of his wheelchair. Despite the use of metal detectors, the weapon was not detected until the student bragged about it. Cole highlights the issue of easy access to weapons and the importance of addressing this problem.
Cole also discusses the due process for teachers involved in the incidents, stating that they have been placed on leave pending an investigation. He emphasizes the need for professionalism among teachers and the consequences of failing to meet these standards.
Despite the challenges, Cole remains committed to improving the school system and addressing the issues at hand. He acknowledges the support he has received from the community and the importance of recruiting good teachers to the profession. Cole concludes by discussing the implementation of new AI scanners to enhance security in schools.