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American Press
07-07-2025
- General
- American Press
LEAP scores show Calcasieu one of the top-growing academic districts in the state
(American Press Archives) The Calcasieu Parish School Board is one of the top-growing academic districts in the state, according to the Louisiana Department of Education's newest batch of LEAP test score data. The department released its annual Louisiana Educational Assessment Program test scores for the 2024-25 school year last week. Results were mixed statewide with young students showing a slight improvement in scores but high school-aged students experiencing a decline. Statewide, the number of third- through eighth-graders scoring overall mastery and above (Mastery+) improved by one percentage point to 35 percent. Thirty-five percent of high school students also scored mastery or above, but this is one percentage point lower than the 2023-24 school year. In Calcasieu Parish, the overall Mastery+ percentage for grades third through eighth — which includes ELA, math and science — improved by one percentage point. For grades third through 12th, 40 percent scored Mastery+, which is two points higher than last year. The top-growing schools in Calcasieu Parish were R.W. Vincent Elementary, Vinton High School and DeQuincy Middle School. These scores are a sign of the 'work and commitment' of CPSB students, teachers and staff, said Superintendent Jason VanMetre in a news release. 'Our students are succeeding because our teachers and staff are passionate about their profession and the success of students,' he said. 'We take pride in celebrating our schools, and today is a day of celebration for all of our people. We're grateful to have this data as we prepare for the year ahead and work toward an even higher performance in the 2025-2026 school year.' Statewide growth varied by subject. While ELA scores dipped in several grades, the percentage for Mastery+ stayed the same. Fourth grade improved by two percentage points and sixth by one percentage point, while third, fifth, seventh and eighth grades decreased. Overall, Louisiana students earning Mastery+ in math increased by two percentage points. The only grade level that decreased was fifth grade. Science scores increased overall, with only the third grade scores decreasing. Statewide high school scores decreased by one percentage point. For third through 12th grade, 25 school districts improved, 26 maintained and 18 declined. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said in a news release that 'while today's results show continued movement in the right direction, they also underscore the challenges ahead.' 'We must accelerate efforts to support educators, raise expectations for students, and maintain our laser focus on academic achievement.' The 2025-26 school year LEAP data will be calculated by the LDOE's revised system, 'Grow. Achieve. Thrive.' These standards are designed to 'be a catalyst for academic growth,' Brumley said.
American Press
28-06-2025
- Business
- American Press
The Informer: Airport opening ushered in new era of aviation
Inside the $872,000 Lake Charles Municipal Airport terminal building was a rental car company, coffee shop, lounge and restaurant. (American Press Archives) 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' reads the March 23, 1962, Lake Charles American Press. 'And neither was the new Lake Charles Municipal Airport.' It took almost seven years from the time the bond issued to finance the $6 million airport was passed until the airport was operational. Much of the delay was awaiting federal approval required in almost every step of construction. 'And since the federal government was paying approximately half the cost of the new facility, little construction could be taken without prior federal approval,' the newspaper reads. Built by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury with funds derived from a 1955 bond issue, the new airport boasted 'the ultimate in safety features for aircraft and is well-equipped to handle all the needs of today's modern air traveler.' That included air conditioning — a rarity in 1962. The airport was among the first in the nation to use a high-intensity approach lighting system complete with sequence flashing lights for the field. The system gave pilots an 'invisible highway' down the airport runway, regardless of weather or darkness. A Flight Service Station was another aviation aid built at the airport. The station gave pilots pre-flight briefings, position reports, field conditions and weather reports at the 15- and 45-minute mark each hour. It was manned by a two-person team. The airport's runway required a land acquisition of 1,650 acres at a cost of $1,340,643. Its accompanying control tower was boasted as being the equivalent to a six-story building. Inside the $872,000 terminal building was a check-in station for passengers for the three airlines stationed at the airport — Eastern Airlines, Trans Texas Airways and Trans Airlines. Also in the terminal was a Hertz Rent-A-Car service, coffee shop, the Gaslight Lounge and Seven Nations restaurant. Along the front of the terminal was five airline gates. Also at the airport was a Federal Aviation Agency branch complete with 54 employees. 'A lot of progressive thought went into this airport,' veteran Air Force pilot W.S. Benedict told the American Press. Benedit, who at that point was a pilot with Trans Texas Airways — which scheduled 10 flights out of Lake Charles daily — said the airport was 'outstanding for a city this size.' The airport was dedicated March 25, 1962, and included a gigantic air show in celebration. 'Necks arched skyward and faces being reddened by stiff breezes, some 60,000 people were awed by the precision flying of six Blue Angels of the U.S. Navy,' reads that day's newspaper. Also performing were the U.S. Army Parachute Team and there was a flyover by a B-52. Louisiana State Police estimated 50,000 people were on airport grounds and another 10,000 watched the air show from along roads leading to the facility. Major General John Hester, the former commander of the 806th Air Division at Chennault Air Force Base, was the day's main speaker. 'Increased opportunities here for land, sea and air transportation offer continued promise for the growth and general welfare of Lake Charles and its surrounding area,' Hester said.
American Press
27-06-2025
- Business
- American Press
Growth spurt: Women fight to keep their chances from being stunted
First-year McNeese State women's head basketball coach Ayla Guzzardo wants to see the sport continue to make strides and protect the gains made in recent decades under Title IX in the face of an ever-changing athletic landscape that emphasizes business models. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press Archives) Through her 35 years at McNeese State, Bridget Martin has witnessed numerous changes in the world of women's college athletics. The deputy athletic director started her McNeese career as the women's basketball coach in 1990. Back then, Title IX was just getting its feet wet. Since then, it's helped grow athletics for women and girls in high schools and colleges, eventually leading to an increase in professional leagues and opportunities. 'It has been great to see the growth of women's sports and the way it has helped give females opportunities to get their college educations,' Martin said. 'It has been an amazing growth process.' Now, however, numerous questions surround college athletics, including those related to women's sports. With the changing landscape and recent $2.8 billion House vs. NCAA settlement, along with transgender athletes' rights, the future for college sports overall and women in particular is in question. 'Yes, there is a lot of uncertainty right now and a lot of questions about the recent lawsuits and applications they will have on Title IX,' Martin said. 'I think a lot of those things will play out with future lawsuits as well. 'One thing is for sure, we have to be ready for whatever changes are coming, and I think we are.' The model of college sports, especially on the women's side, is rapidly changing. Following the June 6 settlement and the new name, image, and likeness rules, concerns have arisen that college sports are shifting toward a more business-focused model. That could hurt non-revenue sports, particularly women's programs. 'I am concerned that we are going to the business models,' Martin said. 'I'm still holding out hope this will level out.' Some schools have chosen to discontinue certain sports, as funding for them may become increasingly challenging. McNeese officials say they do not expect to do that. 'We are not looking to cut any sports but will be looking for ways to fund them differently as needed,' Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said. 'You just have to be ready to adapt to what comes next. Things are going to change, that is for sure.' One women's sport that is on the rise is basketball, thanks to gains in viewership over the last few years on both the college and pro levels. 'As far as basketball goes, our sport, we are gaining, and that's a good thing, so I'm not worried about us,' said first-year McNeese women's head basketball coach Ayla Guzzardo. 'I'm hoping that the models in place to protect women through Title IX continue to hold overall. We have seen a lot of growth thanks to them.' Martin said he hopes all the growth wasn't for nothing. 'I'm focused more on what we got right in women's sports for a long time,' Martin said. 'That's the direction I want to keep going in.'
American Press
25-06-2025
- Business
- American Press
Higgins, Ezell introduce legislation to support dredging workforce
U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins visits the Port of Lake Charles after securing additional funds for dredging the Calcasieu Ship Channel. (Rick Hickman / American Press Archives) Special to the American Press U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins, R-La., and Congressman Mike Ezell, R-Miss., have introduced the Industrial Certification for Coast Guard Veterans Act, which would expand opportunities for U.S. Coast Guard personnel to transition to the dredging sector upon completion of their service. The bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to produce a report analyzing the transferability of Coast Guard skills to the dredging industry. The report would identify recruitment strategies to connect with retiring Coast Guard personnel, evaluate the potential for credentialing or certification programs, and outline any existing or planned coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 'The dredging and maintenance of America's ports and waterways is critical to our economic and national security,' Higgins said. 'This legislation prioritizes workforce development efforts for the dredging industry in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. We're exploring opportunities for retiring Coast Guard personnel to transition their skills into the private sector, all while supporting efforts to maintain our maritime infrastructure.' 'As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I've seen firsthand the talent and expertise our Coast Guard members bring to the table,' Ezell said. 'The Industrial Certification for Coast Guard Veterans Act will help ensure those skills don't go to waste after service. By identifying pathways into the dredging sector, this bill supports our veterans, strengthens our maritime workforce, and reinforces our commitment to maintaining vital infrastructure across the country.'
American Press
19-06-2025
- Health
- American Press
Senate Republicans hold hearing on Biden's mental fitness as Democrats boycott
President Joe Biden speaks to a crowd gathered at the Lake Charles Civic Center with the I-10 Bridge in the background during his May 6 visit to Lake Charles. (American Press Archives) Nearly six months after Joe Biden left the White House, Senate Republicans are still scrutinizing his presidency, kicking off the first in what's expected to be a series of congressional hearings this year on his mental fitness in office. Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee brought in three witnesses Wednesday — none of whom served in Biden's administration — to scrutinize his time in office, arguing that Biden, his staff and the media must be held accountable. Democrats boycotted the hearing and criticized Republicans for 'arm chair diagnosing' Biden when the committee could be looking into serious matters. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who co-chaired the hearing, said that they will aim to 'shine a light on exactly what went on in the White House during Biden's presidency.' 'We simply cannot ignore what transpired because President Biden is no longer in office,' Cornyn said. A spokesperson for Biden declined to comment on the hearing. It was the first in what could be several hearings about Biden in the coming months. Over in the House, the Oversight Committee has subpoenaed several of Biden's former staff members, along with his White House doctor, ordering him to testify at a June 27 hearing 'as part of the investigation into the cover-up of President Joe Biden's cognitive decline.' Questions about Biden's age and fitness erupted last summer after his disastrous performance in a debate against Donald Trump, which ultimately led to his withdrawal from the race.
