Tangipahoa Parish School System Moves Closer to Full Unitary Status in Federal Desegregation Case

On April 23, an evidentiary hearing was held in federal court in New Orleans to consider the consent motions. The Federal Judge granted the joint motions submitted by the school system and the plaintiffs that provides FINAL unitary status in student assignment, teacher assignment, and hiring practices for administrative positions. This order ends judicial supervision in these three areas.

The only remaining area in which the district holds provisional unitary status is Facilities. The Tangipahoa Parish School System is actively working to address this final “Green factor” in its effort to conclude the long-standing desegregation case that has placed the district under federal court supervision for six decades.

Superintendent Melissa Stilley emphasized the importance of this work, stating, “When becoming the Superintendent in 2018, it was a top priority for me to bring this case to a close. Our School Board members have been committed to doing the same. Our children, families, and community deserve a school system that is unified and focused fully on excellence for all.”

In 2021, the district entered into a consent agreement with the plaintiffs. Subsequently, Judge Lemelle granted provisional unitary status, launching a three-year probationary period. In 2024, the district filed motions for final unitary status in the areas addressed by the agreement. Judge Lemelle ordered mediation between the two parties with the goal of mutual consent.

This milestone reflects the dedication of many leaders over the years. “Over the course of 60 years, numerous superintendents, School Board members, and community stakeholders have worked tirelessly toward this goal,” Stilley said. “Their efforts have all contributed to the progress we are celebrating today.”

Special thanks are extended to the school system’s lead attorney, Ashley Bass with Coudrain, Cash and Bass, as well as Indigo Diekmann and Andre Coudrain, for their unwavering commitment and legal guidance throughout this process. Their work, alongside our district leadership and board, has been instrumental in achieving this progress.

School Board President Tom Tolar praised the achievement, stating, “This moment represents tremendous progress—not just legally, but financially and educationally. Our Board is proud to stand with our Superintendent, legal team, and community in this historic moment. We remain committed to completing the final step required to attain full unitary status and close this chapter in its history, focusing forward on building a future of opportunity and excellence for every student.”