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Office of Innovation launches listening tours, 'Hope Closet' and family-engagement designees
Summary
Tangipahoa Parish’s Office of Innovation told the board it conducted clergy and campus listening tours, established a family engagement designee at each campus, and is partnering with community groups to create a 'Hope Closet' pantry at schools.
The Tangipahoa Parish Office of Innovation presented a multi-part community-outreach update to the school board on Nov. 18, describing steps to increase family engagement and prepare campuses to host emergency and family-support supplies.
Mister Porter opened the presentation and introduced his team: Crystal Hooper (community outreach coordinator), Danielle Stewart (student registration and school choice coordinator), Dr. Ashley Gayton (professional development coordinator) and Emma Devine (administrative assistant). Hooper said the office began with listening tours and a clergy breakfast that led to a bus tour of six campuses with 18 participants. She said the team has created a family engagement designee (FED) role on every campus and is coordinating with early-childhood staff and community partners.
Hooper described a Hope Closet initiative — a campus-level pantry stocked through partners including Crime Stoppers, Transport Ministries and local water/medical suppliers — that the office is preparing to receive a truck of supplies; dates were not yet finalized. Staff indicated they are assessing storage needs (locked cabinets, campus spaces) and coordinating logistics. Danielle Stewart said she is reviewing registration processes and considering staff development to improve family-facing procedures. Dr. Gayton said she is focusing on professional development and programming for English learners, including an EL night in December and parent advisory committees.
Superintendent Stilley and several board members praised the bus tour and office outreach; board members requested ongoing communication and opportunities to participate in community events. The presentation required no board action but the board encouraged staff to continue outreach and share progress updates.
