Tagged News

• Assumption Parish woman arrested for allegedly threatening elementary school teachers Play Video

  September 2, 2025 2:28 PM

  BAYOU L'OURSE — A woman was arrested after she allegedly threatened elementary school staff on Friday afternoon, according to the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office. Brooke Nicole Gambrell Rulf, 27, faces two assault on a school teacher charges and one disturbing the peace charge. According to APSO, deputies responded... more »

• Mother-daughter duo at Gonzales Middle School nominated for state education awards Play Video

  April 30, 2025 11:44 AM

  GONZALES - Gonzales Middle School is home to not one but two Louisiana Department of Education state finalists: a mother-daughter duo. Tante Poche', one of the school's science teachers, is a finalist for Teacher of the Year. "You see them have a love for science because I have... more »

• West Feliciana culinary instructor chosen as Teacher of the Year semi-finalist Play Video

  April 21, 2025 11:33 AM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE - Every year the Louisiana Department of Education honors great teachers across the state. This year, the West Feliciana School District nominated Delanea Buffalo, the school's culinary instructor. "Being nominated by my peers first at West Feliciana High School, [it's the] highest honor to know that the... more »

• Detective, teacher detail teen's complaint about foster parent accused of sexual abuse Play Video

  April 4, 2025 2:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A youth with autism described the home of a man accused of sexual battery as a place where "the devils and demons were," according to a teacher who testified Friday at the man's criminal trial. Michael Hadden, 54, is accused of sexually assaulting three foster children.... more »

• State teachers' union supports constitutional amendment making teacher stipend into permanent raise Play Video

  March 12, 2025 2:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees said Wednesday that it supports a constitutional amendment that would make an already implemented stipend into a permanent pay raise for teachers and other school employees. The state teachers' union said that it supports Amendment Two, which voters... more »

• Hammond teacher arrested, accused of computer-aided solicitation of minors Play Video

  February 20, 2025 4:10 PM

  HAMMOND — A Hammond teacher accused of soliciting minors and indecent behavior was arrested. Vincent Catalanotto, 62, was arrested Wednesday by Louisiana State Police. He was booked with one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile and two counts of computer-aided solicitation. Catalanotto allegedly made plans to travel... more »

• Police investigating after mother claims her child was forced to clean up her own feces at school Play Video

  February 19, 2025 3:00 PM

  ZACHARY - Police are investigating an incident at Rollins Place Elementary School where a teacher allegedly made a six-year-old child clean up her own feces. The Zachary Police Department said they are investigating the incident, but did not disclose if any possible criminal charges will result from the investigation.... more »

• Police identify woman who died in two-vehicle crash on 4H Club Road as Central art teacher Play Video

  February 17, 2025 1:54 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - Police have identified Leigh Lobello, 50, as the woman who died from her injuries in a two-vehicle car crash on 4H Club Road Friday night. The crash happened on 4H Club Road near the I-12 overpass Friday evening around 9 p.m. The Denham Springs Police Department... more »

• Zachary teacher one of five in state to receive presidential teaching award Play Video

  January 15, 2025 6:40 PM

  ZACHARY — A Zachary elementary school teacher is one of more than 300 educators across the country — and five in Louisiana — honored with Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The recipient, Copper Mill Elementary teacher Regena Beard, was bestowed the honor on Friday. She... more »

• Comedians Omar Gooding, Miguel Nunez visit EBR schools for event aimed at encouraging students Play Video

  January 10, 2025 10:27 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Actors and comedians visited multiple East Baton Rouge Parish schools for a new initiative called Celebration Friday. Celebration Friday is a new program run introduced by the school system to bring joy, inspiration and engaging experiences to students as well as boost morale, the parish school... more »

• Central teacher unexpected recipient of $25,000 cash prize

  December 4, 2024 11:18 AM

  CENTRAL - A fourth grade math teacher was surprised with a $25,000 cash prize as a reward for excellence in education and leadership. Ashley Davis at Central Intermediate School received the prize Wednesday, a surprise to her, her students, and her coworkers. Davis is the 3,000th recipient of the... more »

• Educator says teachers need to be better prepared for real-life scenarios after teacher accused of battery Play Video

  August 26, 2024 6:46 PM

  GREENSBURG — Some educators believe many teachers are not set up to adequately handle real-life scenarios after graduating from college, especially in the aftermath of a teacher being accused of and being arrested for simple battery at St. Helena Career and College Academy. Ambria Cook is accused of attacking... more »

• Teacher arrested after alleged altercation with 13-year-old student in St. Helena Parish Play Video

  August 23, 2024 6:22 PM

  GREENSBURG - A teacher was arrested after an alleged altercation with a 13-year-old student at St. Helena Career and College Academy, according to the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Department. Ambria Cook was arrested for simple battery after a Wednesday altercation with a female student, deputies said. WBRZ reached... more »

• Iberville, Ascension parishes and Zachary School District teachers finalists for New Teacher of the Year

  July 25, 2024 3:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Teachers from Iberville Parish, Ascension Parish and the Zachary Community School District are amongst the finalists for Louisiana's New Teacher of the Year. Ashlie Duplessis, an English teacher at Bluff Ridge Primary, Olivia Landry, a social studies teacher at MSA West Academy and Braxton Michel, a... more »

• Donaldsonville elementary school teacher receives opportunity to attend growth program with national institute

  July 23, 2024 10:52 AM

  DONALDSONVILLE - A local elementary school teacher is one of just 12 educators selected to attend a one-year program to deepen their knowledge of supporting students and faculty in and around their districts. Jessica Ockman works at Donaldsonville Primary School. She and 11 other educators from around the country... more »

• Former Lafourche art teacher sentenced 40 years for sexually abusing student in 2009

  July 18, 2024 4:03 PM

  THIBODAUX - A former middle school teacher was sentenced to 40 years in prison Thursday morning for sexually abusing a student. Ralph Cheramie Jr., 64, was sentenced to 40 years for molestation of a juvenile, 40 years for sexual battery of a minor under 13 and 10 years for... more »

• $1,000 monthly stipend approved for teaching residents at St. Mary Parish schools

  May 17, 2024 4:23 PM

  ST. MARY PARISH - The St. Mary Parish School Board approved a monthly stipend of $1000 a month for teaching residents who choose the St. Mary Parish school system. The requirements involve those who accept the residency stipend and successfully complete degree requirements to commit to the system for... more »

• Louisiana Supreme Court clears Broadmoor teacher who was both acquitted and convicted at trial Play Video

  April 30, 2024 11:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously cleared a former Broadmoor Elementary School teacher whose conviction on an aggravated assault charge was initially pronounced as an acquittal because of a disconnect between the trial judge and the jury hearing the case. Judge Eboni Johnson Rose committed... more »

• Deputies investigating claims teacher gave birth to student's child Play Video

  September 28, 2023 1:47 PM

  HAMMOND - Investigators are examining claims that a female teacher at a Tangipahoa Parish school was involved in a sexual relationship with a student, resulting in a pregnancy and the recent birth of a child. The sheriff's office on Thursday responded to inquiries this week from WBRZ News 2... more »

• EBR teacher arrested for sex crimes; text messages depict lewd meet-ups on high school campus Play Video

  September 12, 2023 10:03 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A substitute teacher had his contract with the EBR school system terminated amid an investigation into an inappropriate relationship he allegedly had with a 15-year-old student. Damien Clark, 24, was in a "position of supervision" over the victim, according to documents from the East Baton Rouge... more »

• Ascension Parish teacher honored for excellence, to receive high seas vacation

  July 25, 2023 12:44 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - A Dutchtown High School history teacher is one of 20 winners selected from two countries in a contest celebrating excellence and innovation in the classroom. As one of the 2023 honorees, Ryan Bravata receives a 7-day voyage for himself and a guest on Norwegian Cruise Line,... more »

• INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: Teacher, a former reserve deputy, accused of raping student at high school Play Video

  May 9, 2023 5:23 PM

  UPDATE: An arrest warrant has been signed for Johnnie Butler on a charge of third-degree rape. The warrant was signed by a judge late Tuesday afternoon. This is a breaking update. Read the original story below. ----- BATON ROUGE - A teacher has been placed on leave... more »

• Local teachers, principals pepper list of state honorees

  March 21, 2023 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Educators from across the Capital Area are among those named as semifinalists for Louisiana Teacher of the Year and Louisiana Principal of the Year. The announcement on Tuesday also notes finalists for Louisiana New Teacher of the Year. Those on the list will be honored... more »

• Amid reports of rampant fighting at EBR schools, teacher tells WBRZ they're scared to teach Play Video

  March 9, 2023 2:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An East Baton Rouge Parish School System teacher fears that teachers and students haven't been given the resources they need to succeed and it's resulting in unrest. It's the violence, the disrespect, and the lack of support from leadership that worries this teacher who does not... more »

• Ex-teacher accused of molesting student Play Video

  December 27, 2022 12:14 PM

  ST. CHARLES PARISH - A former teacher at Destrehan High School faces sex crime charges stemming from allegations of a physical relationship with a student. Kyle Aucoin-Melohn, 32, was arrested Tuesday on a warrant for prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student, and one count of molestation of... more »

• After 2 On Your Side report, school officials won't deny teachers stipend over maternity leave Play Video

  June 2, 2022 4:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board voted Thursday to overturn a contentious policy that withheld a bonus from teachers who took maternity leave and FMLA. After the item was deferred at multiple meetings this month, school board finally voted unanimously Thursday night to change the... more »

• Former teacher Cynthia Perkins sentenced to 41 years without parole in child sex crimes case Play Video

  February 18, 2022 10:57 AM

  LIVINGSTON - Cynthia Perkins, a former teacher who pleaded guilty to her role in a disturbing child sex crimes case involving her ex-husband, will spend 41 years in prison without parole. Perkins rattled off a lengthy apology to the victims, as well as her friends and family, before... more »

• New York teacher facing years in prison after being accused of giving 17-year-old neighbor COVID vaccine

  January 22, 2022 1:13 PM

  NEW YORK - A teacher in New York could be facing jail time after being accused of giving what's speculated to be the COVID-19 vaccine to her neighbor's 17-year-old son. Laura Parker Russo could face up to four years in prison if found guilty of giving the vaccine to... more »

• Jury convicts Melanie Curtin of raping unconscious victim at deputy's home Play Video

  December 3, 2021 12:24 PM

  LIVINGSTON – A Livingston Parish jury on Friday found Melanie Curtin guilty of aggravated rape and video voyeurism after about seven hours of deliberation. The jury convened around 11 a.m. Friday after two hours of emotional closing arguments, during which Curtin, 42, fought to hold back tears. The jury finally... more »

• Louisiana cafeteria worker allegedly hosted sex parties with underage boys

  May 4, 2021 6:38 PM

  CHAUVIN - A school cafeteria worker was arrested after deputies learned she was allegedly inviting teenage boys to her home to watch pornography, have sex and drink alcohol. The Terrebonne Sheriff's Office said Dawn Baye, 38, was arrested after the department spent weeks investigating claims from a concerned parent.... more »

• Catholic High tennis coach killed in crash Monday afternoon Play Video

  May 4, 2021 12:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A high school tennis coach from Baton Rouge was killed Monday after his vehicle went off-road and struck a tree. According to Louisiana State Police, the wreck happened around 4 p.m. Monday along LA 307 in Lafourche Parish. Kyle Jackson, 31, died in the crash.... more »

• Slidell school employee charged with battery after hitting student with meter stick

  March 3, 2021 3:33 PM

  SLIDELL - A St. Tammany Parish Public School employee has been charged with simple battery, following an incident where a student was struck with a meter stick. The para-professional, identified as 66-year-old Terry Pratts of Slidell, reportedly slapped a student with a meter stick during dismissal time on Monday.... more »

• Prosecutors: Woman charged in child sex case lied about affair with disgraced sheriff's deputy

  February 8, 2021 3:38 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - Court documents filed this past week offer more insight into the disturbing dynamic between a married couple and another woman implicated in the same child sex investigation . Last week, prosecutors with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office filed documents asking a judge for permission to introduce... more »

• Man accused of sexually assaulting people working out at LSU's UREC

  December 17, 2019 3:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A man is accused of pressing his crotch against people while they were exercising at a facility on LSU's campus Monday night. According to LSU Police, Darren Brewton was booked on a pair of sexual battery charges related to his alleged behavior at the University Recreation... more »

• Dutchtown High teacher arrested after investigation into report of inappropriate interaction with student Play Video

  October 24, 2019 12:11 PM

  DUTCHTOWN – A high school teacher was booked into the Ascension Parish jail Wednesday on indecent behavior with a juvenile charges after being indicted by a grand jury. Mark Ebarb, 32, was arrested amid an investigation into reports he was sending inappropriate pictures to male students, sources told the... more »

• Teachers in Ascension Parish getting $2,000 raise Play Video

  June 26, 2019 7:26 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE - Teachers in Ascension Parish may be feeling a lot less stressed this week after they were granted a $2,000 raise. On Tuesday, the school board matched the raise the state granted the teachers, doubling the increase. Just a month away from school starting, first grade teacher... more »

• EBR schools step closer to potential layoffs Play Video

  April 4, 2019 10:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The EBR school board took the first of two votes Thursday evening authorizing the system to make staff layoffs for next school year if needed. "This is not something pleasant. This is not something I'd like to do but we do have a responsibility to the... more »

• Individuals 'removed' from school over viral video showing student pinned on concrete Play Video

  March 29, 2019 2:37 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Officials say they've "removed" those involved in a violent confrontation between a student and staff at a Tangipahoa Parish school last week. Ponchatoula Junior High Principal Mary Beth Crovetto confirmed Friday the school was investigating after video of the incident was shared on social media. The video... more »

• Deputies: McKinley High employee stole nearly $5,000 in school money

  January 28, 2019 2:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Investigators say a high school employee spent nearly $5,000 of a school's money on uniforms that were not for the school, an audit revealed Monday. The theft from McKinley High School apparently went unnoticed for nearly six months, until an internal auditor reported it to the... more »

• EBR School Board could grant $500 employee bonuses Play Video

  October 4, 2018 11:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - School employees working full-time could get a one-time pay adjustment in November if the board approves. Teacher unions say the extra $500 is nice, but they want a permanent pay increase. "That's not enough, we need to address the pay schedule," said Tia Mills with the... more »

• Four arrested, one hospitalized after fight at local middle school

  December 13, 2017 5:32 PM

  GONZALES - Police were called to a local middle school after a fight between students got out of hand Wednesday. The Gonzales Police Department confirmed that officers were called to Gonzales Middle School early Wednesday afternoon in response to a fight involving several students. Police say all involved were... more »

• High school students buy puppy for teacher who lost his dog

  December 6, 2017 9:35 PM

  ALABAMA- A high school teacher is spending this holiday season with a new puppy thanks to the generosity of his students. Troy Rogers, a history teacher at Clements High School in Athens, was surprised at school last month with a golden retriever puppy. Around 90 students in the... more »

• Teacher knocked out, hospitalized after altercation between students Play Video

  September 11, 2017 1:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A teacher at Tara High School was transported to the hospital with a head injury after getting involved in an altercation between two students Monday morning. Authorities say one female student charged at another during an argument. The teacher stood in the way of the attack... more »

• Brusly High School teacher wins DOE teacher of the year

  July 28, 2017 11:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Education named Brusly High School English teacher Kimberly Eckert 2018 State Teacher of the Year. She was given the award at the 11th annual Excellence Awards Gala. According to a news release, Eckert has been teaching for nine years in various... more »

• LSU Police arrest man for exposing himself in Middleton Library

  May 6, 2017 6:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Police arrested a man after he allegedly exposed himself to several people on LSU's campus Friday night. LSUPD arrested 25-year-old William Gillette after several victims said he exposed his genitalia to them in the Middleton Library. LSU Police were called to the library around 9:15... more »

• Destrehan woman not guilty in student-teacher sex case

  April 26, 2017 4:22 PM

  DESTREHAN - A former English teacher was found not guilty of carnal knowledge of a juvenile Wednesday. According to a report from WWL-TV, Shelley Dufresne faced up to 10 years in prison after she was accused of having sexual relations with a student. The mother of the teen... more »

• North Korea detains US professor, at least 3rd American held captive

  April 23, 2017 5:14 PM

  NORTH KOREA - A U.S. citizen and academic was detained in North Korea while trying to leave the country with his wife on Saturday. A spokesperson for the university has confirmed that 58-year-old Tony Kim, who goes by his Korean name Kim Sang-duk, was detained while trying to board... more »

• Elementary teacher suspended after photo appears to show her asleep in class Play Video

  March 20, 2017 5:01 PM

  SLAUGHTER- An elementary school lab teacher at Slaughter Elementary was suspended Monday after a picture surfaced of her appearing to sleep in class. East Feliciana School Superintendent, Carlos Sam said he was deeply troubled by the photo, and placed the employee on leave today. "We immediately began an investigation, so... more »

• East Feliciana teacher accused of slapping student

  March 15, 2017 1:09 PM

  EAST FELICIANA PARISH – An East Feliciana teacher is on paid leave after he was accused of assaulting a student during school hours. Sheriff Jeffery Travis confirmed that Jaworski White was arrested Tuesday by Clinton Police and charged for slapping a student. Sources say the incident happened at East... more »

• LSU Professor Melvin DeFleur dies at 93

  February 15, 2017 7:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Renowned mass communication scholar Melvin DeFleur, a Manship School of Mass Communication Distinguished Professor, died Monday at the age of 93. DeFleur and his wife, Margaret DeFleur, joined the Manship School faculty in 2004 after he retired as professor emeritus of mass communication in the College... more »

• Former Gonzales teacher pleads guilty to sexual conduct with teen

  February 15, 2017 12:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A former East Ascension High School health teacher has pleaded guilty to prohibited sexual conduct with a 17-year-old, per reports. According to District Attorney Tyler Cavalier, 34-year-old Louis Carl Aguillard will avoid jail time due to his plea to a lesser charge. He must also pay... more »

• Terrebonne substitute teacher arrested for having sex with teens

  December 23, 2016 10:40 AM

  HOUMA – The Houma Police Department arrested a Terrebonne School System substitute teacher for having sex with three teenagers at her home. Heidi Verret, 30, was arrested for one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile and three counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile. The investigation revealed... more »

• Dad arrested for threatening to fight daughter's middle school teacher

  December 15, 2016 5:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Deputies say a Baton Rouge dad has been arrested for threatening his daughter's middle school teacher Thursday. Marvin Edwards, 39, was arrested for assault of a school teacher and disturbing the peace. On Thursday, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office responded to Scotlandville Middle School... more »