Jan 24 2023

AMITE—Tangipahoa Parish School Superintendent Melissa Stilley refers to the parish’s nine school board members as “champions for public education,” and as such, the district is joining school systems throughout Louisiana who are celebrating the month of January as School Board Recognition Month.

“Our Tangipahoa Parish School Board members have proven themselves as dedicated public servants who put the needs of the children of our parish first,” Stilley said. “Over the last four years, this Board has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and we plan to recognize their commitment to our students, our schools, and the community as a whole this month.”

Serving as a link between the community and the classroom, school board members are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for public schools. Tangipahoa’s school board is also responsible for overseeing the district’s $268 million budget and providing resources for the nearly 20,000 students, 2,800 employees, and 33 campuses.

“School boards are essential to a strong public education system,” said Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) Executive Director Janet Pope. “They provide the local governance and oversight that makes it possible for school districts to serve students, including establishing a strategic plan, adopting policies, approving a budget, and selecting and evaluating a superintendent. It’s fitting that we celebrate them in January as their leadership is key to the success of every school district in Louisiana.”

Janice Fultz Richards has been unanimously chosen as the board’s President for 2023. She is a longtime resident of the north end of Tangipahoa Parish and a consummate advocate for our students. Elected as the board member for District A since 2019, Richards spends much of her downtime attending sporting events at our local schools.

Brett Duncan of Hammond was chosen as the Vice President for 2023 and is an attorney who represents the District E seat on the board. Mr. Duncan is the son of a former school cafeteria worker and the husband of a Tangipahoa Parish school teacher. He is also a parent with two children enrolled in the local public schools. During his time on the board, Duncan has spearheaded efforts to resolve outstanding issues related to the district’s more than 50-year-old desegregation case. He has also championed the creation of the magnet, Montessori, and IB schools in the Hammond area.

The board also includes:

*Robin Abrams, board member for District C, who works to raise funds for a local nonprofit that services children with special needs in our community. Robin and her husband, along with their two children, are graduates of the Tangipahoa Parish School System. She is also a founding member of the Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival, where she continues to serve on the publicity committee. She is the proud Nonna of three beautiful grandchildren with a fourth on the way next month.

*Trent Anthony, board member for District F, is a life-long resident of Tangipahoa Parish and alumni of Tangipahoa Public Schools and Southeastern LA University. He served in the Army from 1999-2007, is a licensed realtor, and owner/broker of Monument Real Estate in Hammond.

*Rose Dominguez of Ponchatoula serves as the District I representative on the Tangipahoa Parish School Board. She has also been elected to serve as President on the LSBA Board of Directors for our region. She is the southern region chairman for the National Assocation COSSBA (Consortium of  State School Boards Association). A former PTA organizer and longtime volunteer in the community and at her children’s schools, Dominguez has been a strong advocate for the voice of parents. She has served on our local board for nearly 20 years.

*Jerry Moore represents residents in District G, Mr. Moore brings the unique perspective of a grandfather actively involved in his grandchildren’ education. Mr. Moore has taken an active role in advocating for families struggling with the challenges of virtual education through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

*Joey Piazza, board member for District H, is one of the newest members. He is a life-long resident of Tangipahoa Parish and owns Piazza Insurance Services. Mr. Piazza was a teacher for the district for 5 years. 

*Tom Tolar, District B representative is both the parent of a child enrolled in Tangipahoa Public Schools and the spouse of a teacher working in the public school system. Mr. Tolar has been a vocal advocate for improved broadband access for students in his mostly rural district and in his role as an entrepreneur, Tolar and fellow board member Jerry Moore successfully lobbied to see greater opportunities for small business owners to participate in the district’s bid process.

*C. Glenn Westmoreland is an attorney, specializing in family law. He is also a father with eight children and nine grandchildren. He has served on the TPSB since January 2019 and represents District D.