As in years past, June is a busy month for East Baton Rouge Parish school leaders as they race to take advantage of empty buildings to get schools ready for the new school year starting in August.

Unlike in the past, district spending plans for the new year are largely complete.

After a short presentation, hardly anyone said anything. No members of the public spoke, and only two submitted online comments. It is a contrast to the contentious debates that have dogged many past budget cycles.

Board member Nathan Rust congratulated Superintendent LaMont Cole on a budget that mirrors a list of strategic goals the board approved in January. Rust said the approval in late April of Cole’s “realignment” plan , which affects about 28 schools, will help the school system save money over time, mo

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