The Tangipahoa Parish School System is celebrating sustained academic progress in the 2025 Louisiana Department of Education State Accountability Results, posting a 2.3-point increase in its District Performance Score this year and a 6.5-point gain over the past two years—outpacing statewide growth. The district’s Strength of Diploma Index also rose to 92.6%, driven by more students earning workforce credentials and completing dual-enrollment courses. This year, 22 schools—about 74%—improved their School Performance Scores, with three campuses achieving double-digit gains and seven schools rising an entire letter grade, including Martha Vinyard Elementary, which improved by two letter grades from an F to a C. Only one school in the district now remains F-rated, down from three last year, reflecting broad systemwide improvement. Several campuses earned “Top Gains” honors for students meeting or exceeding growth targets, while others ranked among the highest performing in the parish, including Sumner High, Loranger High, and Spring Creek Elementary. Superintendent Melissa Stilley praised the results as evidence of strong collaboration among educators, families, and the community, emphasizing the district’s ongoing commitment to instructional excellence, positive school culture, and robust student support. School-level performance reports will be available on the Louisiana Department of Education website.
–The St. Tammany Parish Public School System maintained strong, stable performance in the latest Louisiana Department of Education accountability results, earning a “B” letter grade and a District Performance Score of 87.3. District leaders highlighted gains in key indicators showing students are graduating on time and prepared for postsecondary success, including a 3-point increase in the Strength of Diploma, a 2-point rise in the high school Progress Index, and improvements in graduation rate, ACT Index, and K-8 and high school Interest and Opportunities. Districtwide proficiency in social studies and DIBELS scores also increased, while 16 schools improved their School Performance Scores, continuing a steady upward trend over the four years since COVID. Superintendent Frank Jabbia praised the dedication of students, staff, families, and the community for sustaining high-quality learning opportunities, and School Board President Matt Greene said the district is well positioned for continued growth by maintaining high expectations and ensuring educators have the resources and support they need.
–A coalition of Louisiana property owners and the nonprofit Save My Louisiana filed suit Thursday in East Baton Rouge Parish, alleging that state laws governing carbon capture and storage unconstitutionally grant private companies sweeping powers resembling eminent domain. The plaintiffs—including seven landowners who say they were pressured or even threatened into leasing property for carbon storage—argue that statutes passed over multiple legislative sessions, including Act 645 of 2024, allow both domestic and foreign corporations to condemn land without adequate judicial oversight, due process, or timely compensation. The suit seeks an injunction blocking enforcement of those laws and pausing all permitting and regulatory actions for injection wells, a move that could halt projects involving major operators such as ExxonMobil and Denbury Carbon Solutions. The challenge comes as Louisiana positions itself as a national hub for carbon sequestration with more than 30 proposed projects, a push that has already drawn scrutiny; Gov. Jeff Landry in October ordered a temporary moratorium on new injection well applications and directed agencies to coordinate reviews and strengthen community engagement requirements. While supporters of carbon capture describe it as critical for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, critics warn of risks to land, water, and property rights—concerns echoed by the plaintiffs, who say current laws give private industry improper authority over Louisiana landowners.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office joined community members in Covington to honor the late Sgt. Beau Raimer, who died in the line of duty in 2007, and Deputy Marylin Mayo, who passed in 2023, with the dedication of a stretch of W. 21st Avenue in their names—an enduring tribute to their service and sacrifice. Sheriff Randy Smith said he was proud to help make the memorial possible for the deputies’ families, colleagues, and the residents of St. Tammany Parish, noting that their legacy is now etched into a roadway traveled by thousands each day. The Sheriff’s Office extended its gratitude to the St. Tammany Deputy Sheriff’s Association and Senator Patrick McMath for their roles in bringing the tribute to fruition.
–Tangi Tourism is inviting the public to step back in time at the annual Camp Moore Civil War Reenactment and Living History Event, held the weekend before Thanksgiving and known for bringing the sights and sounds of the 1860s to life. The two-day program features infantry, artillery, and cavalry drills, living history displays depicting daily life for soldiers and civilians, and a staged afternoon skirmish each day, along with memorial ceremonies honoring those who served. Gates open at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, with the museum opening at 10 a.m., demonstrations throughout the morning, and battlefield skirmishes at 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children under six.
–The Harbor Center will welcome back the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Band for its annual Holiday Concert on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, a festive tradition that supports the Marine Toys for Tots program. Sponsored by Friends of the Harbor Center, the event invites families to visit with Santa starting at 6 p.m. before the concert begins at 7 p.m., with admission consisting of a new, unwrapped toy or monetary donation to benefit children in the Slidell area. “We are thrilled to once again host the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Band at The Harbor Center,” said Joseph Montelepre, chairman of Friends of the Harbor Center, who noted the community’s enthusiasm for the band’s renowned performances and the joy the event brings to local families. For more information, visit www.harborcenter.org or call 985-781-3650.
–Christ Episcopal Church in Slidell will host its annual “Pancakes with Santa” on Saturday, November 29, 2025, offering a $10 pancake breakfast for children from 9 to 10:30 a.m., along with games, crafts, and digital photos with St. Nick, followed by $10 pet photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to noon. Senior Warden Robyn Burke said the church looks forward to welcoming families and their leashed pets, noting that the Men’s Club will be serving special “Santa Pancakes” and that the popular event aims to bring holiday cheer to the community. Tickets are available at the door or via donation on the church website; the church is located at 1534 7th St. in Slidell.
–An exciting evening unfolded at Covington High School as the St. Tammany Parish School Board, Covington High administrators, and city officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the newly renovated Pro Start kitchen and classroom. The event highlighted the school’s commitment to expanding hands-on, career-focused learning opportunities, with officials praising the upgraded space as a major investment in students’ culinary education and future workforce readiness.
–Southeastern Louisiana University has been named to the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, which emphasize how effectively institutions prepare students for financial success by prioritizing the salary boost graduates gain from their degrees, along with factors such as graduation rates, diversity, and student satisfaction measured through a survey of more than 120,000 students and recent alumni. The rankings spotlight schools that may lack national name recognition but deliver strong outcomes, a distinction that aligns with Southeastern’s recent U.S. News and World Report honors, where the university was listed among the top 50 public schools and top 100 universities in the South, recognized as a national leader in social mobility, and earned a national ranking for its Nursing Program.
–The Pearl River Police Department is celebrating School Resource Officer Russell Gelvin, who was honored as Officer of the Year by Keesler Federal Credit Union during its First Responder Appreciation Luncheon. Chief Sessions, Major Dean, and Captain Young attended the event to recognize Gelvin’s dedication and daily commitment to protecting local students and the community. Department leaders praised the well-deserved award, and thanked Keesler Federal Credit Union for its continued support of area first responders.
–St. Tammany Parish Government announced that a section of Sharp Road between Carriage Lane and the western entrance of Century Oak Lane will be closed to traffic from November 24–28. The temporary closure is part of the ongoing Sharp Road Improvement Project, which includes installing drainage culverts and converting existing ditches into subsurface drainage. Officials thanked residents and drivers for their patience and understanding during the construction period.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is joining the National Click It or Ticket campaign over the Thanksgiving holiday, increasing deputy patrols in neighborhoods and on local highways from November 22–29 to step up seat belt enforcement. Supported by funding from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission—which also backs additional DWI and underage alcohol enforcement—the initiative aims to keep residents safe during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Sheriff Randy Smith urged drivers and families to buckle up and ensure children are secured in age- and size-appropriate safety seats, emphasizing that “seatbelts and child safety seats save lives” and expressing hope that the boosted enforcement will encourage more motorists to use them.
–Louisiana State Police is preparing to launch its 109th Cadet Class on June 28, 2026, a 24-week academy designed to deliver rigorous, above-standard training in firearms, tactical driving, defensive tactics, de-escalation, crash investigation, lawful use of force, implicit bias recognition, and the core values of the agency. Applications are due January 6, 2026, and eligible applicants must be at least 21 and meet education, law enforcement, or military service requirements, with details available through the Louisiana State Police Commission. To assist prospective candidates, LSP will host Open House events at Troop locations statewide throughout December, offering opportunities to meet Troopers and learn more about the process. The agency highlights competitive pay, benefits, and career opportunities, with additional information available at www.JoinLSP.org or through LSP recruiting contacts.
