LIVINGSTON PARISH - Louisiana's eighth-largest school district will be back in service Friday morning!

With more than 26,000 students, 42 schools, and six programs, Livingston Parish Public Schools finished off strong last year despite some issues, including bomb threats and a student bringing a gun to school.

WBRZ sat down with Superintendent Jody Purvis to talk about the upcoming year.

"We'll continue what we normally do, working with our Sheriff's Office and Student Resource Officers," Purvis said.

A new safety measure is on the horizon, according to Purvis, who said he has applied for a safety grant.

"This would add additional fencing, add cameras for surveillance, add more access controls to restrict access in some areas, and more," Purvis said.

A new cooler upgrade to transportation in the parish is also underway. According to Purvis, the majority of the parish's school bus fleet will start the school year with air-conditioned buses. All buses in the parish are expected to have air conditioning by the end of this year.

Additionally, a new aquaponics facility is under construction at Westside Junior High School where students will raise aquatic animals.

A few schools now have all-inclusive playgrounds, and Doyle Elementary students will be able to shop at their new "Spirit Truck."

"We just want students to show up on that first day and be positive! We're going to be positive and we're going to work together and grow together," Purvis said.