Gov. Landry proposes moving $150 million from public school funds to avoid teacher pay cut

Gov. Jeff Landry wants to shift $150 million from school district operations into teacher pay to replace a $2,000 stipend teachers were expected to lose this coming year, according to four Louisiana lawmakers familiar with the plan.

The governor has proposed taking money normally distributed to public school districts through a state funding formula called the Minimum Foundation Program and using it for teacher compensation.

The plan will require Landry to issue an executive order after the Louisiana Legislature’s session has finished June 1. Two-thirds of state lawmakers in each chamber also have to approve moving the money, with a vote taking place by mail-in ballot.

The governor’s office declined to comment or provide more details on the proposed plan Monday night. Landry has scheduled a news conference for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday with legislative leaders to discuss a “teacher pay raise,” according to an announcement Monday afternoon from his office.

This is a developing story.