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Bus drivers recognized after Roseland Elementary evacuation; district highlights quick response
Summary
Board members recognized bus drivers who helped evacuate Roseland Elementary after an explosion at nearby Smitty's Supply; the district showed a news clip and the lieutenant governor sent a letter praising a bus driver’s actions. The school remained closed pending testing within a 1-mile radius of the blast site.
Tangipahoa Parish School Board members on Sept. 16 recognized a group of district bus drivers for their response after an explosion at Smitty’s Supply that prompted the evacuation of Roseland Elementary.
Brandy (presenting) told the board that drivers responded immediately to an emergency call on Aug. 22, evacuated the school, and helped calm students. Several drivers were called from other duties and assisted in the response, she said.
The board played a local news segment in which bus driver LaSandra Self described arriving at the scene and helping students. “It’s all about the kids. It’s all about the safety of our children and our community,” Self said in the clip.
Superintendent Melissa Stilley (referenced in the clip) told the board Roseland students living within a 1-mile radius of the Smitty’s Supply explosion were excused from classes until testing officials say it is safe to return; the district said DEQ and school officials visited Roseland for testing. The superintendent said an additional update would be issued the following Monday.
The board recognized seven drivers by name and presented each a certificate and a donated gift card from Mike’s Catfish. Recognized drivers included Annie Dupree, Raven Ferrier, Tyrone Robertson, LaSandra Self, Birgitte Smith, Kayona Tillman, and Willie Washington. The board also displayed a letter of appreciation shown on screen from Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser praising the driver’s actions.
No board action was required; the recognition was ceremonial. Board members thanked staff and the drivers for their work during the incident.
