NEWS BRIEFS BY CITY

AMITE

Snow days shorten school

AMITE, La. (AP) — Two school days missed because of mid-December snowfall means Tangipahoa Parish public school students will have longer school days through the end of the year.

Last fall, the end of the class day was extended by 15 minutes to make up four days missed in early September after Hurricane Gustav hit on Labor Day.

On Tuesday, the parish School Board approved extending the longer school day from April 1 to May 21, students' last day of school.

Superintendent Mark Kolwe says the longer day was supposed to end March 31, but snow last month kept students home Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. Forecasters have said that the Amite area accumulated 8 inches of snow, the largest measurable amount of any community in southeast Louisiana and parts of neighboring Mississippi.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://www.2theadvocate.com


HOUMA


Martin appointed new superintendent


HOUMA, La. (AP) — With a 7-1 vote, the Terrebonne Parish School Board has promoted Philip Martin to the position of superintendent of parish schools.

Martin previously served as assistant superintendent.

Martin, who has been serving as interim superintendent since former schools chief Ed Richard's departure, has no set salary yet. A committee will negotiate salary and contract length with Martin. The board's vote was Tuesday.

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Information from: Daily Comet, http://www.dailycomet.com


LINVILLE

Historic school up for sale


LINVILLE, La. (AP) — The little red school house in this Union Parish Town — where Jerry Lee Lewis was once a student — is up for sale.

School Superintendent Steve Dozier says the property is not going to be used by Union Parish in the future and it's costing money to provide security and to maintain the facility.

The Linville School was closed in 2005.

Former Linville principal Glenda Reynolds says when Lewis attended the school, he was known for entertaining the students and delaying their return to class with his music. Rumors are that Lewis' autograph is somewhere on the building, but no one has been able to find it.

The historic 100-year old red school building will be auctioned at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 7 on the property. The remaining buildings and property will be sold through sealed bid.

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Information from: The News-Star, http://www.thenewsstar.com