Southeast School Plan Moves Ahead

Proponents Say District Would Rival Zachary, Central Schools

BATON ROUGE — Sen. Bodi White (R-Central) has filed legislation (SB 73 and SB 199) to amend the Louisiana Constitution to permit the creation of a new, independent school district in the southeast part of East Baton Rouge Parish.

White, who authored legislation which created the successful Central Community School District seven years ago, said the new district would have the opportunity to be at least as successful as the Zachary and Central school districts.  Zachary is the No. 1 ranked district in the state, while Central is ranked No. 5.

The new school district would be bounded on the north by I-12, on the east by the Amite River, on the south by Bayou Manchac, and on the west by I-10.

It includes a population of more than 75,000 people and 10 public schools, which would be transfered from the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board to a new school board created by the bill.