WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Senators reject new school funding formula

  May 21, 2013 11:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Senators have killed a $3.5 billion public school funding proposal submitted to lawmakers by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Senate Education Committee voted Tuesday to reject the formula, because of concerns about proposed changes to special education and gifted student payments to schools. The... more »

• Seniors accused in Comeaux High vandalism

  May 21, 2013 8:59 AM

  LAFAYETTE- Police say 19 Comeaux High seniors face misdemeanor charges after they allegedly vandalized the school over the weekend. Lafayette police Cpl. Paul Mouton says the students received misdemeanor summonses for criminal mischief and criminal trespassing for vandalizing the school grounds. Comeaux High Principal Joe Craig tells The Advocate the... more »

• Recovery efforts ongoing after deadly Okla. twister

  May 21, 2013 7:30 AM

  MOORE, Okla. - Rescue crews worked through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood. Officials say at least 51 people were killed in Monday's twister, including at least 20 children. Those numbers... more »

• Eight moms arrested, accused of bad parenting Play Video

  May 16, 2013 5:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A joint task force arrested eight women they said failed to send their kids to school, even after repeated warnings from truancy officials. Court documents show one of them, Erica Scott, hasn't sent her kids to class this entire school year. The Family and Youth... more »

• Toughened school safety bill wins final passage

  May 16, 2013 1:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Public schools, already required to have written crisis management plans, will now have to coordinate those plans with local law enforcement and emergency preparedness officials - and hold annual safety drills to rehearse them. The bill rewriting Louisiana's school safety law received final passage Thursday with a... more »

• 8 arrested, 2 at large in truancy crackdown

  May 16, 2013 10:44 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Police arrested eight women and are seeking two more in East Baton Rouge Parish after they said they failed to send their kids to school despite repeated warnings. The arrests were part of an effort by the new Family and Youth Services Center to target repeat... more »

• Local schools owed $30M because of court ruling

  May 15, 2013 1:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Superintendent of Education John White says the state owes local school districts $30 million because the Louisiana Supreme Court threw out this year's public school funding formula. The Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers couldn't fund a voucher program to send children to private school through the formula... more »

• School put on lockdown after fight, prank call

  May 15, 2013 11:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Sheriff's deputies said they're investigating a call which claimed there was a gun at an East Baton Rouge school after a fight earlier this morning. Sheriff's department spokesperson Casey Hicks said investigators found no gun at Southeast Middle School, and believe the call was a prank.... more »

• Voucher supporters to rally at state capitol

  May 15, 2013 10:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Supporters of Louisiana's school voucher program will join Gov. Bobby Jindal this afternoon at a rally for the program. The state Supreme Court recently ruled that the method used to fund the program violated the state's constitution. Jindal swore the program would be funded by the... more »

• Breakaway school district bill before committee

  May 14, 2013 10:45 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Supporters of a breakaway school district in southeast Baton Rouge gathered at the Capitol today for a committee hearing over the bills to create it. The House Education Committee scheduled a hearing for the two bills this morning. Both were approved in the Senate last week.... more »

• Future of school funding in question

  May 8, 2013 10:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers working on next year's budget now have new questions to answer when it comes to school funding. The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the state can't use its normal school funding formula for its voucher program. Critics of the program said doing so took... more »

• Voucher controversy and uncertainty leaves parents in limbo Play Video

  May 7, 2013 10:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Private schools and Governor Bobby Jindal tell benefactors not to worry, but parents are the ones left in a state of uncertainty when it comes to vouchers. Tuesday, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled funding of the state's voucher program was unconstitutional. Lawmakers used money set aside... more »

• Senate backs breakaway school district in Baton Rouge

  May 7, 2013 5:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Two proposed laws that would create a new, public school district in East Baton Rouge Parish cleared the Senate Tuesday. Both organizations connected to the push- one for and another against- posted the news on Facebook, alerting followers to the developments. People posted congratulatory comments on... more »

• Shreveport student arrested for bringing gun to school

  May 7, 2013 11:59 AM

  SHREVEPORT - A Shreveport high school student is facing charges after taking a handgun on a school campus. Police tell The Times that the 17-year-old Fair Park High School student was arrested Friday after authorities found a .22 caliber handgun in his backpack. Authorities took the weapon and arrested the... more »

• La. Supreme Court rules voucher funding unconstitutional Play Video

  May 7, 2013 10:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The state's highest court ruled today that the funding formula for Gov. Bobby Jindal's key education reform, school vouchers, violates the state's constitution. Today's ruling was 6-1, with Justice Greg Guidry dissenting. It affects Act 2, which diverts per-student funding to private and parochial schools to... more »

• Video: School bus fight has driver in trouble Play Video

  May 6, 2013 5:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A video obtained by News 2 shows two teen girls fighting while the rest of the students watched, and the bus driver did nothing. The parents of one of the girls is outraged and said in an email, "I am furious and concerned that our children... more »

• Ascension tax renewals support schools Play Video

  May 2, 2013 4:29 PM

  GONZALES - Providing quality education in Ascension Parish could come down to a property tax renewal. Saturday residents in Ascension Parish will head to the polls to vote on renewing or ending three school taxes that help the school district survive. All three taxes account for over $31... more »

• Bill to repeal LSEA stalls in committee Play Video

  May 1, 2013 12:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE- After hours of testimony, lawmakers deferred a bill intended to repeal a law critics say allows creationism to be taught in public schools. Senate Bill 26, authored by Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, D-New Orleans, sought to repeal the Louisiana Science Education Act, which some say allows teachers... more »

• Student arrested after damaging restroom

  May 1, 2013 8:56 AM

  SHREVEPORT- Police say a Caddo Magnet High School student was arrested after being seen damaging a restroom at the school. Cpl. Marcus Hines tells The Times 18-year-old Justin Washer was escorted to the main office on Tuesday. Upon arrival, Hines says he began to get into a physical altercation with... more »

• Teacher says kids yelled as Ohio boy pulled gun

  April 30, 2013 9:06 AM

  CINCINNATI- A police report states that other students began yelling as a 17-year-old boy pulled out a handgun in class before shooting himself in the head. The Green Township police report was released Tuesday as students returned to La Salle High School the day after shooting. The boy remains hospitalized... more »

• Breakaway school district clears first hurdle Play Video

  April 29, 2013 6:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A proposed breakaway school district cleared an important hurdle after the Senate Finance Committee voted favorably for it to reach the Senate floor. The bill, authored by Senator Bodi White of Baton Rouge, would create a new school district in East Baton Rouge Parish between I-10... more »

• Committee to hear breakaway school district bill

  April 29, 2013 10:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Senate Finance Committee scheduled a hearing this morning for another attempt to create a breakaway school district in southeast Baton Rouge. The bill, filed by Sen. Mack "Bodi" White, is similar to the measure which failed to get the necessary two-thirds majority in the last... more »

• N.O. school system finances improved, but flawed

  April 25, 2013 11:22 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - A New Orleans-based government watchdog group says the school system in New Orleans has significantly improved its financial operations in the years since Hurricane Katrina shut down the city's public education system for months. But the Bureau of Governmental Research report issued Thursday also found flaws in... more »

• School board makes campus switch, no decision on school days

  April 22, 2013 9:36 PM

  CLINTON- Students at some schools in East Feliciana Parish will attend different schools next school year. Monday, the school board voted to swap locations for the high school and middle school. The high school campus will move to Clinton and the middle school will move to Jackson. A judge... more »

• School leaders to talk about four-day school week

  April 18, 2013 9:48 PM

  CLINTON- School system leaders in East Feliciana Parish are considering a four-day school week. Monday, it will be discussed at a special board meeting. Earlier this month, voters said no to a property tax that would have funded system improvements. In October, Superintendent Henderson Lewis Jr. warned... more »

• District faced with teacher layoffs Play Video

  April 17, 2013 5:48 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE- A number of West Feliciana Parish School System employees were told this week that they were being laid off. At least 14 employees, mostly teachers, received layoff notices effective at the end of the school year. Next year the district is facing a $1.5 million deficit.... more »

• Ascension students to present anti-bullying campaigns

  April 16, 2013 11:41 AM

  GONZALES - Students from all eight Ascension Parish middle schools are presenting projects to inform the public about bullying. It's part of the "Stop the Silence" project showcase taking place at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at the Gonzales Civic Center. Students will present their projects including a... more »

• Student arrested after gun found in Baton Rouge school

  April 15, 2013 2:05 PM

  Baton Rouge- A 15 year-old eighth-grade student at Glen Oaks High School in Baton Rouge is under arrest, after a loaded .22 revolver was found in his sock. Deputies say the school Drug Task Force was alerted after a teacher saw the student put something in his sock. ... more »

• Newtown parents back study for clues to violence

  April 15, 2013 9:14 AM

  HARTFORD, Conn. - The parents of a 6-year-old girl killed in the Newtown school shooting are seeking answers about what could lead a person to commit such violence. Jeremy Richman and Jennifer Hensel on Monday announced a scientific advisory board for the Avielle Foundation, which was established with the goal... more »

• Iberville beefing up school security

  April 9, 2013 8:08 AM

  PLAQUEMINE - The Iberville Parish School Board has entered into an agreement with the sheriff's office to better secure the district's 10 school campuses through the addition of four new school resource officers, a truancy officer and nine school crossing guards. Chief Financial Officer Jolain Landry said during the board's... more »

• Superintendent says struggling district needed tax money

  April 7, 2013 7:17 PM

  CLINTON- More than 70-percent of voters rejected the property tax that would fund schools in East Feliciana Parish. "The election was for our students. And so we know what is needed for our students and so we were hoping for um a victory last night," says Superintendent Henderson Lewis.... more »

• Voters in East Feliciana deny new tax for public school system Play Video

  April 6, 2013 10:51 PM

  CLINTON- A new tax to fund schools in East Feliciana failed to gain approval by voters Saturday. The tax would have increased property rates by about 45%, but would have raised $4 million dollars for the school system. The superintendent said the tax was needed to get schools... more »

• Changes announced for several EBR schools

  April 3, 2013 1:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge School System announced big changes for four schools in the district today. Lee High, Belfair, Delmont and Mayfair schools will all see significant updates according to the school system's plans. The school system will turn Lee High into a dedicated magnet... more »

• More deputies patrol Ascension Parish schools

  April 2, 2013 5:39 PM

  DUTCHTOWN - More Ascension Parish deputies will patrol schools in the district soon. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office has extra deputies shadowing current school resource officers as they patrol school buildings, part of a program that will boost the number of deputies watching over students to 16. "Now... more »

• Teachers' group blasts recommendation for armed staff

  April 2, 2013 1:24 PM

  WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Teachers is denouncing a suggestion that schools train selected staff to carry weapons, and that each school should have at least one armed security officer. The head of the teachers' group calls the idea a "cruel hoax" that won't protect children and schools.... more »

• Group gears up to fight breakaway district

  April 2, 2013 10:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Residents who support unity within the EBR school district will gather this evening to discuss a plan of action to combat a proposed community of schools within the parish. One Community, One School District is sponsoring the meeting that will be held at the Bluebonnet Library... more »

• Extra officers at school when students return Tuesday

  April 1, 2013 9:50 PM

  GONZALES- As students return to school in Ascension Parish from spring break Tuesday, more security will be on campus. Four additional deputies join the 16 currently on patrol at area schools. Members of the group will rotate among elementary, middle, and high schools so they can become familiar... more »

• Technology upgrades proposed for Jefferson schools

  March 29, 2013 9:04 AM

  HARVEY- As school districts struggle to find ways to pay for technology upgrades to administer a new slate of standardized tests, the Jefferson Parish superintendent says it could cost up to $40 million to fully equip the district. James Meza admits the estimate is high and that it would provide... more »

• IBM poised to boost LSU grads Play Video

  March 28, 2013 6:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE- IBM's entry into the Red Stick signals big changes at LSU. The state will invest $14 million into the university's School of Computer Science, money that will allow the school to boost faculty numbers and increase the output of technologically sound graduates. "It will not only... more »

• Central superintendent responds to report about coach

  March 28, 2013 3:15 PM

  CENTRAL - The superintendent of the Central Community School System responded today to a News 2 report about a coach's reassignment. Mike Gardner recently left his coaching position at the high school, and still teaches in the system. Community members told News 2 they believed the change was due... more »

• Security upgrades coming to Pointe Coupee schools

  March 28, 2013 8:55 AM

  NEW ROADS - The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff's Office has submitted a school crisis response plan to the school board outlining new security recommendations to better protect the district's five campuses. Sheriff Bud Torres also handed the board a proposal on Wednesday to spend about $120,000 a year to hire... more »

• Indiana court: School vouchers give parents choice

  March 26, 2013 10:47 AM

  INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Supreme Court says the state's school voucher law primarily benefits families, not schools or religious institutions. The court upheld the law Tuesday. The justices rejected the argument that the law violates the state constitution's ban on public funds going to religious institutions, saying any benefit to... more »

• School exams undergo sweeping changes

  March 25, 2013 10:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A test that fourth- and eighth-graders have to pass for promotion is on the way out. It's part of a series of changes unfolding in how Louisiana measures what public students know. Students in grades 4 and 8 took the first part of LEAP, which is... more »

• Lafayette school board to revamp attendance policy

  March 25, 2013 8:55 AM

  LAFAYETTE- Lafayette Parish School Board members would be able to miss up to five meetings in a calendar year before facing penalties under a revised attendance policy recommended by the board's executive committee. The revisions, which come after some board members have faced criticism for their absences, would clarify some... more »

• Livingston talks cost of beefing up school security Play Video

  March 19, 2013 8:54 PM

  LIVINGSTON - In the current social and educational climate, keeping children safe at school is more difficult and expensive than it once was. Especially after the number of mass shootings -happening around the country-- is on the rise. That's why the Livingston Parish School Board and the Livingston Parish Sheriff... more »

• 3 groups weigh in against vouchers

  March 15, 2013 6:58 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Three organizations opposed to Louisiana's private school tuition voucher program are weighing in on the issue ahead of state Supreme Court arguments next week. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, The Interfaith Alliance Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union said Friday they filed a... more »

• Shreveport teen booked on rape charge

  March 15, 2013 8:28 AM

  SHREVEPORT - A teen boy is behind bars on charges he raped a 15-year-old girl at Woodlawn High School. Police say the incident happened about 9 a.m. Wednesday on the school campus. Few details about the incident are being released, but Caddo deputies say the 14-year-old was arrested and booked... more »

• School system unaware of who's driving buses Play Video

  March 13, 2013 5:43 PM

  PORT ALLEN - West Baton Rouge School leaders have no record of who's driving the buses within the parish, leaving many parents concerned. Superintendent David Corona said if he wanted or needed those records, they could be made available to him. "I'm comfortable the organization we contract with... more »

• EBRSO: Students threatened behind school

  March 8, 2013 3:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Authorities said a group of students were threatened by someone with a gun behind McKinley High School this afternoon. Casey Hicks with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office said deputies were told by students that a man pointed a gun at them and then fled. ... more »

• Pre-K openings in some EBR schools

  March 7, 2013 4:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - There are still some openings for pre-kindergarten students in East Baton Rouge Parish schools. The first round of the pre-k registration period, which began Jan. 28, is completed. You can find a list of elementary schools with openings still available at the district's website . ... more »

• Career Academy gives students new path in life Play Video

  March 7, 2013 3:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Career Academy aims to give students another option when they graduate high school. The school teaches students one of four trades, alongside a traditional high school education, including welding, automotive repair, culinary arts and health care services. "I was one of those kids, I never... more »

• Driver hits school crossing guard

  March 7, 2013 3:02 PM

  SLIDELL - Deputies said a driver was blinded by the sun when she hit a school crossing guard in St. Tammany Parish this morning. It happened outside the North Shore High School while the driver was dropping off children at the school. A sheriff's office spokesperson said the driver,... more »

• Student accused of threatening to shoot others

  March 7, 2013 2:13 PM

  BAKER - Police arrested a Baker teen after they said she threatened to bring a gun to school and shoot several students. Chief Mike Knaps with Baker Police said officers arrested the 16-year-old girl in suspicion of disturbing the peace and terrorizing. Knaps said his officers were called... more »

• BESE considers 2013-14 school funding formula

  March 7, 2013 10:36 AM

  BATON ROUGE - State education officials heard a briefing this morning on the school funding formula for the 2013-2014 school year. Superintendent of Education John White held the teleconference at the start of BESE's regularly scheduled meeting. News 2's Mike Steele is at the meeting and will have... more »

• Students return to schools after threats

  March 6, 2013 11:02 AM

  LAFITTE- Students were evacuated from two Jefferson Parish schools Wednesday after administrators said the campuses received threats. Students were permitted to return late Wednesday morning to Marrero Academy for Advanced Studies in Marrero and Fisher Middle-High School in Lafitte. Authorities say no threatening devices were found at the schools. Sherriff's... more »

• LHSAA football playoff split debated at the capitol Play Video

  March 5, 2013 5:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Members of a joint legislative committee got answers about a plan to split the high school football playoffs between public and private schools. Principals from the 389 schools within the Louisiana High School Athletic Association were allowed to vote. 291 of those schools have football programs. Supporters... more »

• 8th grader faces charges after school threat

  March 5, 2013 5:04 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE- A 13-year-old faces charges for terrorizing after calling-in a threat to West Feliciana Middle School Tuesday morning. Students were evacuated to the football stadium after the threat and were dismissed. The threat was determined to be a hoax. The teen, an 8th grader, has been... more »

• Teen booked in jail, accused of holding gun to classmate's face

  March 5, 2013 4:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Sheriff's deputies released the booking photo of a 17-year-old charged with holding-up an unloaded .38 caliber handgun to a classmate's face Tuesday. Jesus Morejon and an unidentified 16-year-old were arrested after the incident at Tara High School. Deputies said the 16-year-old bought the gun illegally off the... more »

• Witness: student held gun to classmate's face

  March 5, 2013 2:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Two students were arrested at a high school Tuesday, accused of having a gun and pointing it at other students. The two tenth graders were arrested at Tara High. Agents from a special school task force said one of the students had the .38 caliber handgun in... more »

• Parents, leaders consider another breakaway school district

  March 1, 2013 10:40 PM

  ST. GABRIEL- There is talk of a split from the Iberville Parish School District among people who live on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Also joining the discussion, city leaders. They are looking at the possibility of forming their own municipal system. St. Gabriel Mayor Lionel... more »

• White briefs lawmakers on school security

  February 28, 2013 10:59 AM

  BATON ROUGE - State education superintendent John White briefed state lawmakers this morning on security conditions and changes at Louisiana's schools. White said after the Sandy Hook elementary shooting in Connecticut, 52 percent of Louisiana's school districts made changes to their school security plans. He also said 98... more »

• First lady announces effort to help kids exercise

  February 28, 2013 7:34 AM

  CHICAGO - Imagine students learning their ABCs while dancing, or memorizing multiplication tables while doing jumping jacks. Some schools are using both methods of instruction, and Michelle Obama would like to see more of them use creative ways to help students get the recommended hour of daily exercise. Today in... more »

• Evacuations ordered after school receives threat

  February 25, 2013 2:03 PM

  NATCHITOCHES- Classes have been canceled at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches after a high school on campus received a bomb threat Monday. Shortly before noon, university police evacuated a number of buildings on campus, and at least one campus entrance was closed. No word on the details of... more »

• Zachary High students mistake shooting threats Play Video

  February 22, 2013 5:49 PM

  ZACHARY - Ten percent of Zachary High School students were absent Friday because of threats made at another school, in another parish earlier this week. Kyle Blackburn, 18, from Denham Springs was arrested by the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Wednesday for Twitter messages he sent to Silliman Institute students... more »

• Livingston looks for funding to increase school security

  February 21, 2013 11:23 PM

  LIVINGSTON- School system leaders have to decide how to pay for a huge increase in school resource officers. Some have suggested adding officers at all schools in the district. Leaders said the increase is not directly related to the tragedy in Connecticut, where two-dozen kids were murdered in... more »

• White outlines 2013-14 education priorities

  February 20, 2013 4:07 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana Education Superintendent John White says improving the graduation rate among students with disabilities and enabling high school students to earn technical college associate degrees are among the priorities in the coming year for the state education department. White also said Wednesday that a fund will be... more »

• 2 St. James Parish elementary schools to close

  February 20, 2013 11:05 AM

  LUTCHER- Two elementary schools in St. James Parish may soon close because of declining enrollment. A study commissioned by the St. James Parish School Board says a projected shift in residential population will also force the closure of Fifth Ward Elementary and Lutcher Elementary schools in the coming years.... more »

• BRCC to create airplane mechanic program

  February 18, 2013 11:03 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge Community College hopes to have a program to train airplane mechanics up and running by the fall, more than two years after originally planned. School leaders say the program would produce federally-certified mechanics and is still being reviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration. They say... more »

• Schools locked down during suspect search

  February 18, 2013 10:17 AM

  SPRINGFIELD - Deputies in Livingston Parish locked down schools in Springfield this morning after a robbery suspect was seen near the school grounds. Superintendent John Watson said Springfield's elementary, middle and high schools were all put on "partial lockdown" because of the search this morning. The partial lockdown limits... more »

• Kids' suspensions renew debate over zero tolerance

  February 18, 2013 7:38 AM

  UNDATED - Small children have been getting into deep trouble at school lately, and their parents say it's because educators are hypersensitive in the wake of the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school in December. Parents say school officials have suspended or threatened to suspend students in Pennsylvania, Maryland... more »

• Ex-Meridian softball coach indicted on sex crimes

  February 17, 2013 12:37 PM

  MERIDIAN, Miss. - A former Meridian high school softball coach has been indicted on eight charges alleging inappropriate contact with students under the age of 18. The indictment filed Feb. 11 in Lauderdale County Circuit Court charges former Clarkdale High School coach Ricky Roberson with three counts of exploiting a... more »

• Forums to focus on Baton Rouge school safety

  February 14, 2013 10:32 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Parish school system scheduled four community forums next week to talk to parents about school safety and get feedback on how to make schools safer. The forums are scheduled for Monday through Wednesday at four schools. Baton Rouge Magnet High is hosting Monday,... more »

• School bus goes into bayou

  February 14, 2013 9:35 AM

  MARINGOUIN - A school bus went into a Maringouin bayou after hitting a house Thursday morning, according to law enforcement. It happened near LA 76 and Musson Lane around 7:15 a.m. Maringouin Police said there were 20 students on the bus when the wreck happened, and four were... more »

• State accepting school voucher applications

  February 13, 2013 10:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Applications are available for the Louisiana Scholarship Program for the 2013 - 2014 school year. Last year, more than 10,000 students applied for the controversial program. State Superintendent John White says they were only able to accommodate nearly 5,000 of those students and "that means we... more »

• DEQ searching for source of school-closing smell Play Video

  February 8, 2013 5:56 PM

  SCOTLANDVILLE - Parents said they were frightened to hear a gas leak closed their children's school today in north Baton Rouge. Lucille McKnight said she received a phone call about 10:30 a.m. Friday with a recorded message from Crestworth Elementary telling her there was a gas leak, and parents... more »

• School science project leads to arsenic investigation Play Video

  February 7, 2013 4:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A study that started as a middle school project quickly transformed as a school safety investigation. This follows a News 2 Investigation of contaminated playgrounds around East Baton Rouge Parish. Two students, Jalen Scott and Desirae Gardner, stopped by the studio to talk about their... more »

• Students accused of making threats against

  February 7, 2013 11:02 AM

  INDEPENDENCE - Security was beefed up at Independence High School after two students were arrested and accused of making threats against the school. Tangipahoa Parish Schools Superintendent Mark Kolwe said Principal Hugh Wallace said the students' grandmother called the sheriff's office Tuesday after finding written threats in the boys' room... more »

• State seeks bids for pre-K overhaul

  February 7, 2013 7:06 AM

  BATON ROUGE - State officials say they are soliciting bids from school districts and others for pilot projects to overhaul pre-kindergarten classes in Louisiana. The changes stem from a 2012 state law, which assigned details of the do-over to the state Department of Education and the state Board of Elementary... more »

• Baker High to get renovations

  February 6, 2013 7:42 AM

  BAKER - The Baker School Board has decided to proceed with renovations at Baker High School. The board received an assessment conducted by engineering consulting firm Volkert Inc. in January recommending more than $4 million in repairs and upgrades to Baker High School. The school built 62 years ago has... more »

• 7-year-old hit crossing road near school

  February 4, 2013 9:01 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS- A 7-year-old boy was hit by a car near a school in Livingston Parish Monday night. Police said the child was crossing Cockerham Road, from Freshwater Elementary School when he was hit. The child's parents and other kids were around at the time of the crash.... more »

• Students help find sawed-off shotgun Play Video

  February 4, 2013 5:22 PM

  PORT ALLEN- A 16-year old student is still in jail after school administrators say he brought a sawed-off shotgun to school Friday. The administration was tipped off by two students who saw the boy with the weapon and the school was put on lock down until it was secured.... more »

• Police haul away school bus in Alabama standoff

  February 1, 2013 2:14 PM

  MIDLAND CITY, Ala.- Authorities in Alabama are hauling away a school bus they say was the scene of a shooting death and abduction that has led to a tense standoff with police. Authorities say a gunman boarded the stopped bus on Tuesday afternoon, shot the bus driver to death and... more »

• Authorities: Teen wounded in Ga. school shooting

  January 31, 2013 2:14 PM

  ATLANTA (AP) - Atlanta's police chief says an armed officer working at a city middle school where a teen was shot was able to disarm the suspect moments after the shooting. Authorities say a 14-year-old boy was shot in the back of the neck Thursday at Price Middle School and... more »

• Man arrested for terrorizing near high school

  January 29, 2013 2:30 PM

  GONZALES - A man seen walking near East Ascension High School in Gonzales with a hand gun Tuesday morning, is now behind bars. Police say 19-year-old Blaine Dearmond was pointing the weapon, which was a BB gun, at several students. Dearmond was currently on probation for burglaries in Ascension... more »

• Delgado to lay off 46 employees next month

  January 29, 2013 11:56 AM

  NEW ORLEANS- About 10 percent of Delgado Community College's 465 employees will be laid off at the end of next month. Chancellor Monty Sullivan said Tuesday the layoffs are a consequence of the school's $13 million deficit and declining enrollment. Sullivan says no teachers will lose their jobs in this... more »