Covington's E.E. Lyon Elementary has quietly rolled out a new leadership team as the campus tries to regain its footing after a spring packed with staff-related criminal cases. Ben Strohl is now listed as the school's acting principal, with Michelle Folse and Kaci Puglia appearing as assistant principals on the staff roster. District officials say the reshuffle is aimed at shoring up classroom support and rebuilding trust before students return in the fall.
The school's faculty page now lists Strohl as principal and Folse and Puglia as assistant principals, according to Lyon Elementary. Parents and staff told reporters the new names started showing up on the school's online directory and calendar as the campus prepared for summer registration, replacing a leadership lineup that included staff members who are now the subject of criminal investigations.
The staffing shakeup follows a pair of unrelated incidents that brought police to the school's doorstep earlier this year. In April, a classroom aide was arrested and booked on a charge of simple battery of the infirm after the child's family and investigators reviewed classroom video, according to WVUE. In May, Covington police arrested then-principal Lauryn Faciane and assistant principal Tanya Barth on allegations that they failed to comply with Louisiana's mandatory-reporting law. Both administrators were released on bond, as detailed by WDSU.
"The district is waiting for separate criminal cases against former staff to play out," Superintendent Frank Jabbia said while outlining the leadership changes, according to WDSU. Brant Osborn of the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers said the fresh lineup "gives hope" to staff as the school works to rebuild trust with families. District officials stress that the moves are administrative and that all employees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
District Response and School Plans
St. Tammany Parish Public Schools has posted notices this summer announcing new administrators and outlining a plan to keep on-site leadership and classroom support in place as Lyon heads into the fall semester, according to St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. The district's update also points to ongoing training on mandatory-reporting requirements and efforts to boost family involvement. Officials say upcoming school events will double as Q&A sessions and a chance to connect families with resources.
Legal Status and Next Steps
The criminal cases tied to the campus are still active, and many details remain sealed to protect students' privacy. The aide arrested in April, Marsha Ernest, was booked in mid-March and had a court appearance scheduled for June 24, according to WVUE. Faciane and Barth were arrested on failure-to-report charges and have been released on bond, with those cases still pending as local prosecutors review the matters. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement or the district.
What Families Can Expect
Lyon Elementary's calendar lists in-person registration windows and a Meet & Greet for early grades, and school leaders say those gatherings will serve as opportunities to share updates with families, according to Lyon Elementary. District officials say they plan to keep classroom support front and center while cooperating with investigators and respecting the legal process. Parents with immediate concerns are encouraged to reach out directly to school staff or the district's family outreach team.
