OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 260

Jordan Howard
Jun 24
3 min read

Reframing the Boot Series –Parenting in Baton Rouge

Friday’s OneRouge Coalition call brought together parents, educators, and advocates for a powerful conversation about the challenges—and opportunities—facing families in Baton Rouge. Participants shared personal stories about navigating inequities in the school system, from magnet lotteries to charter school exclusion, and highlighted the urgent need for more accessible, community-driven solutions. With a collective desire to move beyond broken systems, the group called for bold action: to build a new model for education rooted in equity, inclusion, and cultural relevance. Plans are underway to host a follow-up strategy session focused on developing a OneRouge community school blueprint.

Meeting Notes: OneRouge Coalition – June 20, 2025

Theme: Parenting, Equity, and Community-Led Solutions in Baton Rouge Education

Key Discussion Points

1. Challenges and Gaps in Accessing Resources

Participants noted that while resources exist (e.g., library guides), they are difficult to find and not user-friendly.
There's a need for a more centralized, accessible system for families and educators to access community and educational supports, especially during summer.

2. Equity in Education

Multiple parents and educators expressed frustration with navigating the school system—especially with magnet admissions, late birthdays, and varying standards between districts.
Several attendees shared deeply personal stories of systemic inequities, particularly around race, gifted testing, and access to high-quality education.
Panelists pointed out that Louisiana’s education system is still rooted in exclusionary practices and lacks equitable support for Black and Brown families.

3. Community Voice & Systemic Exclusion

Participants discussed how charter schools and breakaway districts (like St. George and Central) often contribute to racial and class segregation.
Several speakers urged the group to stop trying to fix a system not built for them and instead create their own systems and schools, citing examples from other communities (e.g., Saturday schools, community-led learning spaces).

4. Healthcare & Early Childhood

Parents shared struggles with early childhood options, including the decline of Head Start funding and the rising cost of care.
There was a strong call to integrate early childhood development, mental health, and culturally relevant education into any future solutions.

Call to Action: Toward a Community-Led Education Solution

A strong consensus emerged around the need to create a OneRouge community school model that integrates:
- Culturally responsive curriculum
- Montessori and gifted instruction models
- Access for families across income levels
- Saturday/Sunday community education
- Parent-driven governance
Next Steps Proposed:
- Host a follow-up strategy call focused entirely on co-creating a white paper or blueprint for a OneRouge school or educational model.
- Encourage attendees to bring someone new to the next call who can contribute ideas, resources, or lived experience.
- Share existing models, frameworks, and charter pathways to inform the collective plan.
- Invite experts (like Naron’s partner) with experience starting schools or programs to help guide logistics and feasibility.

Quotes & Reflections

“We are the educators, the parents, the professionals—we have everything we need to build something better.”
“They sold y’all a dream. But it’s time we dream our own and build it.”
“Parents are the quiet architects of the future.”

Resources & Announcements

Participants were encouraged to drop links to summer programs, events, and support services in the chat to be included in the Saturday newsletter.
The chat included multiple references to public charter access, Montessori methods, community school desires, and building cross-parish collaboration.Links

Links: