Almost all Tangipahoa Parish public schools are ready to welcome back students and employees this Friday, September 13, after a two-day hiatus due to Hurricane Francine.
Tangipahoa Parish School Superintendent Melissa Stilley said almost all of the parish’s campus are cleared and ready for students to return Friday, except for four sites (Hammond Westside Montessori, Loranger Elementary, Loranger Middle, and Loranger High) as well as the 7th and 8th grade building at Kentwood High Magnet, because electricity has not yet been restored to those schools.
Stilley said utility representatives indicated they may be able to restore power before the close of the day on Thursday. If power is restored, families of the impacted students will be notified so they can resume classes with their counterparts across the parish on Friday.
Stilley said she wants families to be assured that our campuses will be a safe and comfortable place for their children to close out this atypical week. She acknowledged that there have been rumors on social media about potential threats to our schools, and those threats are being investigated by law enforcement.
“We, along with our law enforcement partners, are aware of concerns being shared with all of our and on social media regarding a post from Wednesday, Sept. 11, alluding to potential danger at almost all schools, public and private, in our parish. So far, the investigation has revealed that identical posts have been circulating through numerous education communities throughout our state and several others. While these concerns are being thoroughly investigated, we want you to know our law enforcement partners are planning additional protections at our schools for Friday, Sept. 13. Once the investigation uncovers more information, we will share that with you. The Tangipahoa Parish School System and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring the safety of your children and your peace of mind,” Stilley said.