What is Amendment 2 about?
St. George is attempting to break away from the East Baton Rouge Parish school system to form a new school district.
Why is this a statewide ballot measure?
Creating another school district in the state would shift tax dollar allocations for the entire state. Louisiana’s constitution requires that changes involving municipalities and school districts be approved through amendments to the state constitution.
So, why should I vote no? What about Central and Zachary?
- Amendment 2 will increase inequality. Breakaway school districts do not solve the root cause of poor school performance—poverty. St. George’s departure would further separate students based on income.
- Teachers will lose vested benefits. Teachers who currently work in St. George under EBRPSS would either have to be reassigned or apply to work in St. George schools. Those who transfer may lose vested life and health insurance benefits.
- But what about Central and Zachary? Breakaway districts like Central and Zachary concentrate students from relatively higher socioeconomic status families. It may appear these districts are more successful, but that success is correlated with income, not district structure.