Seniors at Zwolle High School were recognized for their future plans during a recent Academic Signing Day, highlighting their commitments to higher education, careers, and military service.
The event celebrated students who have chosen a variety of post-secondary paths, with representatives and commitments tied to several institutions, including Angelina College, the United States Air Force, Bossier Parish Community College, Northwestern State University, University of Louisiana Monroe, and Southern University Baton Rouge.
School officials say the ceremony served as a meaningful milestone for graduating seniors, emphasizing that each student’s chosen path—whether college, workforce, or military—represents an important step toward their future goals.
The event underscored the message that decisions made today help shape tomorrow, while also showcasing the diverse opportunities available to students in Sabine Parish.
Faculty and staff expressed pride in the graduating class, applauding their hard work and dedication as they prepare to take the next step beyond high school.
A major summer music event is headed to Zwolle as Sabine Parish America 250 announces the upcoming “Louisiana’s Saturday Night: Let Freedom Ring Concert” on June 27, 2026.
The concert will take place at the Zwolle Festival Grounds, with gates opening at 3:00 p.m. and live music beginning at 4:00 p.m. Organizers are inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy an evening of entertainment, community spirit, and celebration.
The lineup features an impressive mix of talent, including Grammy-winning Louisiana legend Wayne Toups, American Idol winner Laine Hardy, and regional favorite Next of Kin.
Toledo Bend Lake Association is also helping promote the event, which is part of the broader America 250 celebration recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The concert is expected to draw a large crowd and highlight the strong musical heritage of Louisiana.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring friends and family for what promises to be a lively and memorable night of music in Sabine Parish. Additional event details can be found through local community pages and event sponsors.
A rusted and overgrown pump jack sits abandoned, a scene playing out thousands of times across the state as orphaned oil and gas wells outpace the ability to plug them.
By Richard Searles, Journal Contributor
State faces record 6,465 orphaned wells, a cleanup bill that could top $1 billion, and a broken oversight system
Louisiana’s oil patch is leaving behind a growing legacy of abandoned wells that leak, contaminate groundwater and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars — and on a per capita basis, the state’s problem is more than four times worse than Texas, which has drawn national attention for the same issue.
As of March 2025, Louisiana has 6,465 orphaned oil and gas wells — unplugged, abandoned sites with no responsible operator — according to the state Department of Conservation and Energy. Texas has approximately 10,029 orphaned wells, according to its Railroad Commission. But Texas has nearly seven times Louisiana’s population. Louisiana has roughly one orphaned well for every 711 residents. Texas has one for every 3,130. Louisiana’s per capita burden is more than four times heavier.
The Numbers Are Accelerating
Between 2014 and 2023, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that an average of about 445 wells were added to the orphaned list each year. In 2025, more than 1,600 wells were added — more than three times the historical annual average. In just the first months of 2026, another 517 wells have already been added.
Behind those orphaned wells sits an even larger problem: inactive wells not yet orphaned but at risk. The Legislative Auditor found the inactive well count climbed 21.7 percent from 2019 to 2024, reaching 21,629 statewide.
What It Will Cost — and Why the Numbers Differ
The cleanup bill has been reported in different ways, and understanding why requires a distinction between two categories of problem wells.
The first is the orphaned well count itself — the 6,500 wells with no responsible operator. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor places the average plugging cost at $113,000 per well. Multiplied across the current orphaned well list, that produces the widely cited $730 million figure.
But that number covers only orphaned wells. A July 2025 white paper from the LSU Center for Energy Studies, commissioned by the state, calculated that plugging and abandoning both orphaned and idle wells in just the Monroe and Shreveport regulatory districts — two of Louisiana’s three oil and gas districts — would cost approximately $860 million. The Lafayette district, which holds roughly 41 percent of the state’s total orphaned and idle well inventory, was not included in that estimate. When all three districts and all idle wells are accounted for, the total cost to Louisiana taxpayers could well exceed $1 billion.
Since 2023, the state has plugged just 490 orphaned wells at a combined cost of nearly $90 million in state and federal funds — far behind the pace needed to make meaningful progress.
The Oversight System Failed
Louisiana’s attempt to manage the problem through a private industry-led entity collapsed. The Louisiana Oilfield Restoration Association, created in 2019 to collect operator fees and fund plugging activity, was dissolved after a state audit found it falling far behind — and after allegations of self-dealing that included a $780,000 loan to a state official. An audit also found the association’s administrative partner was charging a 36 percent fee on revenues, nearly double the agreed cap. During fiscal years 2020 through 2023, the state plugged 976 orphaned wells through the program. During that same period, nearly 1,700 new orphaned wells were reported — meaning the system was losing ground even while operating.
The Louisiana Legislature responded in 2024 by creating the Natural Resources Trust Authority under the Department of Conservation and Energy, tasked with rebuilding oversight and funding. Financial security requirements — the bonds operators must post to cover future plugging costs — remain a structural weakness. Though coverage rose from 25 percent of wells in 2014 to 74 percent by 2024, the Legislative Auditor found the amounts collected still fall well short of actual plugging costs.
The Bottom Line
Louisiana is producing new orphaned wells faster than it can plug old ones, carrying a per capita orphaned well burden more than four times that of Texas, and facing a total cleanup bill that state and university researchers suggest could exceed $1 billion when all idle and orphaned wells statewide are fully accounted for. The consequences — contaminated groundwater, leaking methane, degraded land — fall most heavily on the rural communities where these wells are concentrated.
Sources: Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy; Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office; LSU Center for Energy Studies, “Orphan and Idle Wells in Louisiana,” July 2025; Texas Railroad Commission; Louisiana Illuminator.
A stretch of unsettled weather is expected across Sabine Parish this week, with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain chances begin Wednesday with a 50 percent likelihood of showers and thunderstorms under partly sunny skies. High temperatures will reach near 77 degrees, with light southeast winds developing during the afternoon. Conditions will calm overnight, with partly cloudy skies and lows around 60 degrees.
On Thursday, the chance of rain decreases slightly to 30 percent, mainly after 1 p.m., while temperatures rise to around 81 degrees. Clouds will increase Thursday night, with lows settling near 64.
By Friday, rain chances climb again to 40 percent, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms expected and highs near 84 degrees. The potential for showers and storms will continue into Friday night under mostly cloudy skies, with lows around 65.
The weekend will bring continued opportunities for rain, though not a total washout. Saturday and
Sunday both carry a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, primarily during the afternoon hours. Highs will remain warm, reaching the mid-80s, while overnight lows stay in the mid-60s under mostly cloudy skies.
Looking ahead to Monday, rain chances increase slightly to 40 percent with partly sunny skies and highs climbing to near 87 degrees.
While widespread severe weather is not specifically indicated at this time, residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware and monitor updates, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when storms are most likely to develop.
Local quantum physicists are reportedly baffled by a recurring temporal anomaly centered around departing vehicles and friendly neighborhood grandmothers. A recent incident at an undisclosed Natchitoches residence has once again demonstrated that a simple, “Well, I best be getting along” functions not as an exit strategy, but as a binding verbal contract for at least ninety additional minutes of conversation, standard (weather, health) and bonus (garden pests, Junior’s third divorce) topics mandatory. Experts warn that the standard “Southern Goodbye” is not a process, but a geological event, with exit times now measured in fiscal quarters rather than minutes. We’ll have more on this story, assuming our reporter can ever leave.
Several students from Sabine Parish are being recognized for outstanding performances at the Louisiana 4-H Shooting Sports competition, showcasing skill, dedication, and sportsmanship on a statewide stage.
According to Sabine Parish 4-H, multiple participants qualified to represent the parish and returned home with impressive finishes across several events.
Leading the way was Carter Simmons of Converse High School (CHS), who captured a first-place state title in Junior Modified Trap. Simmons also placed seventh in Junior Compound Archery, demonstrating versatility across disciplines.
Allen Walker, also representing CHS, earned third place in Senior 3-D Archery and secured a ninth-place finish in Senior Skeet for Advanced Shotgun.
Additional top performers included Blaise Dillard of Many High School (MHS), who placed 12th overall in Senior Compound Archery, and Raegan Matkin of Florien High School (FHS), who finished 12th in Senior Modified Trap.
The Louisiana 4-H Shooting Sports program emphasizes firearm safety, responsibility, and competitive excellence, giving students opportunities to build confidence and leadership skills through structured events.
Local leaders say these achievements reflect the strong commitment of Sabine Parish youth and the continued success of the parish’s 4-H program in preparing students for competition at the highest level.
I don’t care what sport you play, there comes a day when the Gods of that sport will humble you. So many times, as an athlete, we think we have everything figured out. We think we know more than anyone else and that we are invincible. We have the attitude “you can’t beat me!”
That’s when we get a little too comfortable in our own skin and things start to unravel and go south. For bass tournament anglers, you never know when that day will be coming. But rest assured, it will happen!
My humbling moments have occurred more than once in my 30-year fishing career but there is one that stands out more than any other. It took place about five years ago on Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma/Texas border during one of those late February events with temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s.
Over the years, I’ve had several tournaments on Lake Texoma and have done well there in the past. It’s a lake that I feel very comfortable with. I have a lot of confidence each time I drop my boat in the water at this famed Oklahoma/ Texas fishery.
If you’re angler who likes to power fish with buzz baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits, Texoma is the place for you. But there are times when you will question if there’s any bass in this lake as the fishing can get really tough.
On one of my recent trips to this impoundment, I found out firsthand just how tough Texoma can be. I was preparing for a three-day event while pre-fishing in some very frigid temperatures. To say that the bite was tough would be a huge understatement.
As Day 1 of practice began, I knew that the only way I was going to get a bite was by slowing down my presentation. Bass in cold water conditions are very lethargic and slow to react to a bait.
Well at the end of practice on Day 1, I had absolutely nothing figured out as I put my boat back on the trailer after a long 9-hour day with zero bites. That’s right, I had zero bites the entire day!
Day 2 brought the same cold temperatures but sunny skies as daytime temperatures rose into the upper 40s. I thought with temperatures warming as the day went on, that maybe there would be a good afternoon bite. My thinking was wrong as I once again as I loaded my boat after Day 2 of practice with zero bites.
That’s right, I had fished for a total of 18 hours and had yet to set the hook on a single fish! So, as I laid in bed that night, I thought that maybe I need to speed up my presentation and throw some type of reaction bait like a rattle-trap, which is very popular during cold weather tournaments.
As the final day of practice rolled around, I was actually a little excited and was looking forward to trying something different. So I tied on a ¼ oz SPRO Aruku Shad in the popular chrome with a blue back. When I say I threw the paint off that bait, I mean I stayed committed to my plan and never put it down pretty much all day long.
But as only the bass fishing Gods can explain, I once again came off the lake nine hours later with zero bites! At this point, now I’m as frustrated as I’ve ever been going into Day 1 of a tournament.
To cut this article short, I’ll just go ahead and tell you that over the next two days of tournament competition, I had one bite and never caught a single fish I could weigh-in.
For the first time in my tournament career, I fished on a body of water I’m very familiar with and caught only one bass over five consecutive days!
So, for all those up-and-coming anglers, listen up — if you fish tournaments, there will come a day when you question if you really know anything about how to catch a bass.
With this frustration, you might even want to sell everything you own that’s related to bass fishing! But hang in there — sooner or later, grey skies will fade, and sunshine will return as you catch bass like never before.
This is story from a book entitled “Moments for Mothers.” The Rogers family was a strong Christian unit. Mr. Rogers took seriously his role as spiritual leader. Often at supper the family would have a Bible quiz or discuss some spiritual truth. One evening the family was discussing what heaven will be like. 7-year-old Jimmy grabbed this subject and ran with it; he had a very creative imagination.
Jimmy said, “When we get to heaven, the big angel will call the roll. He will come to the Rogers family and say, ‘Daddy Rogers’ and Daddy will say ‘Here! ‘. Then the angel will call out, ‘Mommy Rogers,’ and Mommy will say, ‘Here! ” Then the same thing will happen for Susie and Mavis. Then the angel will call my name, “Jimmy Rogers,” and because I’m little and don’t want to be missed, I will jump up and shout real loud, ‘Here!’”
Just a few days later, there was a tragic accident. A car struck down Jimmy as he made his way to the school bus. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The family gathered round his bed and kept a prayerful vigil through the night. The doctors told them that he had suffered severe brain damage and could not recover.
Just before dawn, Jimmy seemed to be stirring a bit. The family saw his lips move; just one word was all he uttered before he passed from this life. But oh what comfort and hope that word gave for this grieving family. In a voice clear enough for everybody in the room to hear, Jimmy said, “Here!!” and then he was gone, to another world, to a better world, where a big angel was calling the roll.
We Christians believe this is true. It is why we can live with hope in the midst of such a crazy world. We know that we are all pilgrims, simply passing through this life. Our home is in heaven.
Easter people believe that one day we will all answer, “Here!”
April 22 is best known as Earth Day, a global event dedicated to environmental protection, but the date also holds a broader place in history with events that have shaped science, culture, and international awareness.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, marking the beginning of a modern environmental movement. Millions of Americans participated in rallies, teach-ins, and demonstrations focused on pollution, conservation, and sustainability. The momentum from that first observance led to the creation of key environmental protections, including the Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation addressing clean air and water.
Beyond environmental milestones, April 22 also marks the birth of Vladimir Lenin in 1870. As a revolutionary leader, Lenin played a central role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the formation of the Soviet Union. His influence reshaped global politics and contributed to the ideological conflicts that defined much of the 20th century.
In scientific history, April 22, 1994, saw the discovery of a new comet that would later be named Comet Hale-Bopp. The comet became one of the most widely observed celestial events of the late 20th century, visible to the naked eye for months and sparking widespread public interest in astronomy.
April 22 continues to be a day associated with awareness and reflection. Whether through environmental advocacy or recognition of historical figures and discoveries, the date underscores humanity’s ongoing relationship with both the planet and the forces that shape global change.
Troyal wanted to be a professional athlete. “The only thing that stopped me,” Troyal said, “was my professional athletic ability.” At Yukon High School, Troyal played football, baseball, and ran track and field. He was especially talented at the javelin throw. When he graduated in 1980, he attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater on a track and field scholarship. Troyal knew he wanted to play sports in college, but he was unsure what to study. Troyal finally decided to study advertising. As a child, his parents and siblings held casual weekly talent nights. Everyone had to participate. Because of this, Troyal learned to play banjo and guitar. Troyal used his talent to write jingles and commercials for his advertising classes.
In 1984, Troyal walked across the stage at Oklahoma State University and received his diploma. Shortly after he graduated with his degree in advertising, he learned that he had not completed the requirements for his degree. He was one college hour short. The clerical error was discovered after he walked. Troyal had no choice but to take another class, but his student loan and scholarship money ended the moment he walked across that stage. Troyal was from a large family who could not afford to pay his tuition for the single class, so he had to work to pay for the class.
All through college, Troyal worked odd jobs including roofing houses and working as a bouncer at a nightclub. One night while working to pay for the remaining class, Troyal asked Dolly, an employee at Willie’s Saloon in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to allow him to play his guitar and sing for the audience. Dolly agreed. The first night went so well that she asked him to play the following night. The crowds grew and drink sales increased, so Dolly kept Troyal on stage. What could have been just a one-off thing turned into a five-night a week job. One day, Troyal said to himself, “Hey, maybe this is what you’re supposed to be doing.”
Troyal had hoped to become a professional athlete, but he sang instead. One of the songs he sang had the line “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.” If his prayers to become an athlete had been answered, you might know Troyal in a whole different way. You know Troyal. His full name is Troyal Garth Brooks.
Eunice Viola Gentry April 16, 1937 — April 19, 2026 Services: Wednesday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery
Dale Laroux December 21, 1966 — April 18, 2026 Visitation: Tuesday, April 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Services: Wednesday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Sabine Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge.)
You may email them to SPJContent@sabineparishjournal.com
Many and Sabine Parish residents will have the opportunity to celebrate God and country on Thursday, April 17, at the Many Community Center.
The talented Amazing Rhythm Disciples Band will present America’s Faith Concert in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary.
The music will start at 6:00 p.m. at the Many Community Center.Rodney Harrington, leader of the band, said the music will be about family and country, two important values to all Americans.
Harrington also had some good news to share.“Because we have some faithful and supportive sponsors, admission to the concert will be free to everyone.”
Concert sponsors are The Harrington Law Firm, Foy Chevrolet, Anna Garcie for District Attorney, Sabine State Bank, and Buddy Wood State Farm Insurance.
“Let’s show everyone how much our people love God and country by showing up for this joyful evening of music here in Many,” said Many Mayor Robert Hable.
The Amazing Rhythm Disciples is the first in a number of planned programs throughout Many and Sabine Parish to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.
The Melrose Arts and Crafts Show scheduled for this weekend, April 18-19, has been canceled due to the threat of severe weather and high winds, which is a safety concern for vendors, attendees and staff. The show has been rescheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026.
Help us celebrate a very special milestone! Happy 10-Year Anniversary to Twyla Lovelady, Teller II at our Many location! For the past decade, Twyla has been a friendly face our customers can count on. Her dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to serving our community truly make a difference every single day. From helping customers with a smile to being a dependable teammate, Twyla represents the very best of BOM Bank. Twyla, thank you for 10 wonderful years of hard work and heart. We are so grateful to have you as part of the BOM family and can’t wait to see all the great things the next 10 years will bring! Be sure to stop by our Many branch and congratulate her on this amazing milestone!
Leaders in the Many community are speaking out about ongoing vandalism and misuse at the Many Dixie Youth Ballpark, calling on residents to take greater responsibility for maintaining the shared space.
In a joint message from town officials and Many Dixie Youth, concerns were raised about repeated damage and unsanitary conditions at the facility, despite continued efforts to improve and maintain the grounds. Recent issues have included broken toilets, vandalized restrooms, and trash left throughout the stands and playing areas.
Officials noted that these problems have become a weekly occurrence and reflect what they described as a lack of respect for community property, volunteers, and the families who use the ballpark.
Town leaders emphasized that improvements have been made in recent months, including adding trash cans, cleaning the grounds, and maintaining restroom facilities. However, they said those efforts are being undermined by ongoing misuse.
Parents and guardians are being urged to take a more active role in supervising children while at the park and to reinforce the importance of cleaning up after themselves and respecting public spaces.
Mayor Robert H. Hable Jr. and Many Dixie Youth President Caleb Burkett said the goal is to preserve the ballpark as a place where families can gather and children can play, but that effort requires cooperation from the entire community.
They encouraged residents to take pride in the facility and work together to improve conditions moving forward.
Northwestern State University and the Many Police Department will offer training in using the latest technologies in criminal investigations May 11-12. Topics will include the use of payment apps and investigations, credit card skimming and cloning, GPS trackers, phone pings and cell phone content warrants. Law enforcement search warrant data portals will also be covered, as well as open course car rental information, use of AI to alter facial images and introduction to Dark web and Bitcoin.
“The partnership between NSU and Many PD allows us to facilitate advanced training in highly specialized areas for local law enforcement,” said Dr. Daniel Gordy, assistant professor of Criminal Justice and English. “This training partnership also allows students to engage with these courses, concurrently providing networking and mentorship opportunities for our current/future law enforcement officers.”
The 15-hour course is $349 and will take place in Alost Hall on the NSU campus. Training is being provided by Yellowstone Narcotics, a law enforcement resource that provides up to date training on the most current crime trends and methods of investigation techniques available. NSU will host Yellowstone in September for a Child Endangerments Investigations course.
The course is supported by NSU’s Office of Economic Development and University Advancement.
For more information or to register, visit yellowstonenarcotics.com and click on the Upcoming Courses link or email yellowstonenarcotics@gmail.com .
Many and Sabine Parish residents will have the opportunity to celebrate God and country on Thursday, April 17, at the Many Community Center.
The talented Amazing Rhythm Disciples Band will present America’s Faith Concert in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary.
The music will start at 6:00 p.m. at the Many Community Center.Rodney Harrington, leader of the band, said the music will be about family and country, two important values to all Americans.
Harrington also had some good news to share.“Because we have some faithful and supportive sponsors, admission to the concert will be free to everyone.”
Concert sponsors are The Harrington Law Firm, Foy Chevrolet, Anna Garcie for District Attorney, Sabine State Bank, and Buddy Wood State Farm Insurance.
“Let’s show everyone how much our people love God and country by showing up for this joyful evening of music here in Many,” said Many Mayor Robert Hable.
The Amazing Rhythm Disciples is the first in a number of planned programs throughout Many and Sabine Parish to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.
The Town of Many is gearing up for one of the region’s most anticipated spring events as “Sale on the Trail” returns the first weekend of May.
The multi-day event, officially known as the 18th Annual Sale on the Trail, will take place May 1–2, 2026, stretching from Natchitoches to Nacogdoches. The event draws visitors from across the region for a unique shopping experience featuring garage and yard sales, flea markets, antique finds, boutique shopping, entertainment, and more.
Local officials say the Town of Many will serve as a central hub for activity in Sabine Parish. In response to community interest, designated vendor setup locations will be available across from City Hall and along San Antonio Avenue in front of vacant storefronts.
Organizers are encouraging residents, vendors, and businesses to participate by setting up booths and promoting what they plan to sell. Community members are also invited to share their locations and offerings to help attract shoppers traveling the trail.
With hundreds expected to pass through the area, leaders say the event is not only a فرصة for bargain hunters but also a boost for local tourism and small businesses.
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to mark their calendars and take part in what promises to be a busy and exciting weekend across Sabine Parish and beyond.
Sabine Parish residents may soon decide on two tax measures aimed at community infrastructure and services following the State Bond Commission’s review on April 17, 2026. The Sabine Parish Police Jury has submitted two items for the June 27 election cycle.
The first proposal is a 2.0 mills tax for a 10-year period (2026-2035) to fund the administration, maintenance, and support of the Parish Library and its various branches. The second measure focuses on Road District No. 15, Ward 5, requesting a 13.02 mills tax for 10 years (2027-2036). These funds would be dedicated to the construction, repair, and maintenance of public roads and bridges, including drainage work and equipment purchases.
A stretch of warm and mostly calm weather is expected across Sabine Parish through the end of the workweek, with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms arriving over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday will bring partly sunny skies with a high near 86 degrees. Winds will start calm before becoming light out of the south around 5 mph during the morning hours. Overnight will be partly cloudy with a low around 64, as winds become calm once again.
Thursday continues the warm trend with mostly sunny skies and a high near 88. Clear conditions Thursday night will allow temperatures to settle around 64.
Friday will see similar conditions, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 88. Clouds will begin to increase Friday night, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 65.
Rain chances return to the forecast over the weekend. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m., and a high near 85. Storm chances increase
Saturday night, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm. Overnight lows will drop to around 54, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation.
By Sunday, conditions begin to improve, though a slight 20 percent chance of showers lingers. Skies will become mostly sunny with a cooler high near 73. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 52.
Looking ahead to Monday, partly sunny skies are expected, with temperatures rebounding slightly to a high near 78.
Residents are encouraged to enjoy the warm and calm conditions through the week while staying weather-aware as storm chances increase heading into the weekend.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana is set to overhaul its K-12 English language arts (ELA) requirements, shifting toward what officials describe as a “return to timeless academic practices.”
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) recently approved the revised standards, which were recommended by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. The changes are designed to build upon the state’s recent gains in reading proficiency by doubling down on fundamental literacy skills.
“These standards reflect a return to timeless academic practices,” Dr. Brumley said. “They also prioritize feedback we’ve heard from parents and teachers who want more classroom time devoted to core skills.”
The updated standards, which are scheduled to take effect for the 2027–2028 school year, introduce several key shifts in how literacy is approached in Louisiana classrooms:
The Science of Reading: The curriculum will place a heavier emphasis on phonics and foundational decoding skills. This aligns with a growing national movement to move away from “balanced literacy” in favor of evidence-based methods that help students become independent readers.
Grammar and Communication: The revisions reinforce a structured progression in grammar and usage, aimed at improving student communication in both professional and everyday environments.
Cursive Writing: Despite the digital age, the state is recommitting to handwriting, requiring cursive as part of a comprehensive approach to literacy.
State policy requires a review of K-12 content standards at least once every seven years. The current update marks the first major revision since the 2015–2016 cycle.
The process began in 2024 and was facilitated by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). To ensure the changes reflected real-world classroom needs, the LDOE utilized a committee of local educators, school leaders, parents, and higher education experts. The revision included public meetings and a formal comment period to gather stakeholder input.
State officials clarified that while the new standards define what a student is expected to learn at each grade level, local school systems maintain the authority to choose their own curriculum—the specific textbooks and daily lesson plans used to teach those standards.
To prepare for the 2027 rollout, the LDOE plans to provide school systems with specialized training, instructional resources, and guidance to ensure a smooth transition for teachers and students alike.
Baton Rouge, La. — On April 15, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will launch a new customer service number designed to make it easier for Louisiana residents to reach the department for assistance.
Residents will be able to call: 877-7LADCFS (877-752-3237) for child support services, child welfare assistance, and other DCFS inquiries. Hours of operation for the line will be 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday.
The Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline remains unchanged and continues to operate 24/7 at: 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437).
Suspected abuse or neglect should always be reported to the hotline.
