As a new school year begins, the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students is working to make sure students and parents have a voice in the future of local schools. Liz Smith of the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students recently joined Brian Haldane on Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss the organization’s latest efforts to gather community input ahead of the upcoming school board elections.
Students Highlight Teacher Support and Mental Health
The Alliance spent the summer gathering feedback from approximately 500 middle and high school students. Smith said two issues stood out: teaching quality and mental health.
Students told the organization they want strong teachers who understand their subjects and manage classrooms effectively. They also want schools to provide teachers with the professional development and support they need to succeed.
Teacher compensation emerged as another concern. While students may not know how much their teachers earn, Smith said they understand the broader community conversation and want educators to receive appropriate support and pay.
Mental health also remains a significant concern. Smith said students have consistently identified mental health as an issue during the Alliance’s annual surveys, with more than 60% reporting that they or their friends experience mental health challenges. Students also say schools do not provide all the services they need.
Parents Get a Chance to Shape School Priorities
The Alliance plans to continue gathering community input by turning its attention to parents. A parent forum scheduled for September 2 will give parents an opportunity to discuss what works in local schools, identify gaps and share priorities with future school board members.
Smith said the feedback can help inform budget and policy decisions. She emphasized that school boards can use their budgets to reflect the issues that students and families consider important.
School Board Candidates Prepare for Election
The conversation also focused on the upcoming school board elections. Smith noted that 22 candidates are running for nine seats, with at least three seats opening due to departures or term limits.
The Alliance plans to host a candidate forum on October 7, giving community members an opportunity to hear directly from candidates and learn more about their priorities.
By gathering input from students and parents, the Alliance hopes to help incoming school board members begin their terms with a clearer understanding of what Baton Rouge families want from their schools.