EBR School Board Backs Cole After Return to Work
Cole's appearance marked his first public engagement since surrendering to federal authorities earlier in the day.
BATON ROUGE, La. — East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole returned to his official duties Thursday, attending a School Board Committee of the Whole meeting just hours after being released on bond following his arrest in a federal public corruption investigation.
Cole's appearance marked his first public engagement since surrendering to federal authorities earlier in the day. While the criminal case has drawn widespread public attention, school board leaders made it clear the evening's meeting would remain focused on district operations and the start of the new academic year rather than the ongoing legal proceedings.
The superintendent is facing federal charges alleging he accepted approximately $40,000 in kickbacks while serving as a member of the East Baton Rouge Metro Council. The indictment is part of a broader federal investigation involving allegations of public corruption, bribery and money laundering.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board has so far chosen to maintain its support for Cole as the legal process moves forward.
Before public comment began, School Board Vice President Cliff Lewis reminded attendees that the meeting was intended to address district business, not matters related to the federal investigation.
Lewis instructed speakers to keep their comments relevant to agenda items, emphasizing that discussions unrelated to school business would not be permitted during public comment.
Cole addressed board members during the meeting on matters related to the district's opening of school, highlighting preparations for students and staff as the new academic year begins. He did not reference the federal charges or his arrest during his remarks.
Following the meeting, Cole departed through a rear exit without taking questions from members of the media.
School board members also declined interviews, instead standing by a statement issued earlier in the week affirming their confidence in the superintendent while judicial proceedings continue. Board members said they intend to allow the legal process to run its course before considering any further action.
At this time, no agenda item has been scheduled to address Cole's employment status.
Under the terms of Cole's employment agreement, the School Board has the authority to place him on paid administrative leave for up to 60 days if it determines such action is appropriate. However, district officials have announced no plans to exercise that option.
The case is expected to move through federal court in the coming months while Cole continues serving as superintendent unless the School Board decides otherwise.
