Full Breakdown
Two E.E. Lyon Elementary Administrators Charged for Failing to Report Suspected Child Abuse
5/30/2026, 4:51:27 AM
Charges Against Lyon Elementary Administrators
On a Wednesday, St. Tammany Parish jail records show that Principal Lauryn Faciane and Assistant Principal Tanya Barth of E.E. Lyon Elementary School were booked on charges under Louisiana’s mandatory-reporting law. Both were released on bond. The Covington Police Department alleges they failed to promptly report suspected child abuse, neglect, or related incidents as required by state law. Authorities have withheld incident details to protect the children.
Mandatory-Reporting Law and District Training
Louisiana law obliges designated professionals, including school administrators, to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or the appropriate state agency. The St. Tammany Parish School System (STPPS) provides annual training and regular updates on these requirements, emphasizing professional development on recognizing child maltreatment.
Administrators, Police, and District Leadership
- Lauryn Faciane – Principal, E.E. Lyon Elementary (removed from school, remains district employee)
- Tanya Barth – Assistant Principal, E.E. Lyon Elementary (same status)
- Covington Police Department – Conducted investigation and filed charges
- Frank Jabbia – Superintendent, St. Tammany Parish School System, issued district statement
- Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – Notified per protocol
Investigation Timeline
- Wednesday – Both administrators booked on mandatory-reporting charges; released on bond.
- Following days – State child-welfare and education agencies notified; district issued a statement acknowledging the investigation.
District Statement on the Investigation
Superintendent Frank Jabbia said the district is committed to student safety and has fully cooperated with law enforcement. He noted that the active investigation limited the information the district could share before the arrests. He also said both administrators no longer serve at Lyon Elementary but remain district employees. The district plans to provide leadership and support at Lyon Elementary for the upcoming school year and continues mandatory-reporting training for staff.
Unreleased Details and Reporting Gaps
Authorities have not disclosed the specific abuse incidents, the number of alleged reports, or the identities of any children, citing protection of the victims. This lack of detail creates a gap in public understanding of the alleged reporting failures.
Key Direct Statements
- “The district takes all matters involving student safety seriously and has fully cooperated with law enforcement during this investigation.” — Frank Jabbia, Superintendent, STPPS
- “Because this was an active investigation, the School System was limited in what information could be shared prior to the arrests.” — Frank Jabbia
- “Lauryn Faciane and Tonya Barth no longer serve at Lyon Elementary but remain employees of the district.” — Frank Jabbia
- “These charges are accusations and all individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.” — Frank Jabbia
Future Legal and Operational Steps
The criminal case remains active, and the district will monitor legal developments. STPPS will maintain leadership support at Lyon Elementary throughout the upcoming school year and will continue mandatory-reporting training for all staff.
