Education leaders from St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes join higher education and workforce partners to advance a regional approach to education and economic competitiveness
NORTHSHORE, La. – The Northshore Business Council brought together education, business and workforce leaders from across St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes for its Education Summit, advancing NBC’s Tri-Parish initiative and a shared approach to strengthening educational outcomes and the Northshore’s future workforce.
Hosted by the NBC Education Committee, the summit demonstrated the growing collaboration taking place across parish lines. All four K-12 public school superintendents serving the three-parish region participated: Frank Jabbia, Superintendent of St. Tammany Parish Public Schools; Melissa Stilley, Superintendent of Tangipahoa Parish Schools; Jennifer Thomas, Superintendent of Washington Parish Schools; and Dr. Byron Hurst, Superintendent of Bogalusa City Schools. Their participation was particularly significant as the summit coincided with the first day of school, underscoring the importance education leaders are placing on regional collaboration. Higher education was represented by Dr. Jim Carlson, President of Northshore Technical Community College, and Dr. William Wainwright, President of Southeastern Louisiana University.
Together, leaders discussed challenges and opportunities that cross parish boundaries, including educator recruitment and retention, early literacy, career and technical education, college and career exploration, internships, artificial intelligence, and stronger connections between education and industry.
A central focus was developing educators from within Northshore communities. Stilley discussed Tangipahoa Parish Schools’ partnership with Southeastern Louisiana University, including a paid teacher residency program designed to help attract future educators into local classrooms. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of Tangipahoa Parish teachers hold degrees from Southeastern, illustrating the direct connection between the region’s higher education institutions and its K-12 workforce.
Stilley also highlighted pathways that introduce high school students and paraprofessionals to careers in education, allowing prospective educators to gain classroom experience while working toward credentials.
Higher education leaders addressed the other side of the workforce pipeline: helping students understand the opportunities available to them and preparing them for a changing economy. Carlson discussed Northshore Technical Community College’s college exploration programming and the ongoing challenge of recruiting skilled professionals, including electricians, welders and technicians, who can also train the next generation.
The summit also explored how education and workforce preparation must adapt as artificial intelligence changes the workplace. Discussions centered on giving students meaningful exposure to career options, strengthening critical thinking and communication skills, and creating internship and learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with the needs of regional employers.
Early literacy emerged as another shared regional priority. Panel discussions connected reading proficiency in the early grades with later academic achievement, student behavior, career readiness and the ability to earn industry credentials. Participants emphasized earlier intervention and expanded access to early childhood education as important components of improving long-term outcomes.
The summit reflects a broader goal of NBC’s Tri-Parish initiative: strengthening connections among St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes around issues that affect the entire Northshore. Education and workforce development do not stop at parish lines. By connecting K-12 systems with technical and community colleges, universities, employers and economic development organizations, the region can build clearer pathways from the classroom to credentials, careers and local employment.
The Northshore Business Council will continue working with partners throughout the three-parish region to advance shared priorities that strengthen educational outcomes, develop the Northshore workforce and support long-term economic competitiveness.
