Louisiana school board task force rejects $80 million budget increase for public schools
Feb 03, 2022 | 7:04 pm ET
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As of last week, eight states had prohibited school districts from setting mask requirements, according to a tally by Education Week, with lawsuits winding through the court system in several of those states. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia require masks be worn in schools. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
A state school board task force Thursday rejected a recommendation for an $80 million boost for Louisiana’s public school but backed Gov. John Bel Edwards’ proposal to increase pay for teachers and support staff.
The task force guides the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) on the Minimum Foundation Program, the complex algorithm used to determine how much the state spends per public school student.
“I do not believe that the legislature will pass (an $80 million increase). I don’t believe that BESE will pass this,” said task force member Caroline Roemer, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools “So to me, we’re debating: Do we present something that sets the table for discussion and argument… but does not result in dollars?”
BESE meets next month to approve a budget for public schools it will then submit to the Legislature. Lawmakers can accept or reject the plan but cannot change it.
Separately, the task force endorsed Edwards’ $1,500 annual pay raise for teachers and $750 for school support staff. Combined they would cost the state $148 million per year.
If the state revenue projections go up, the task force told BESE members it favors increases of at least $2,000 for teachers and $1,000 for support workers. Teacher advocates have said the governor’s proposed increase isn’t adequate, but some lawmakers have aired concerns that the state won’t have enough revenue in future years to pay for the proposed raise – let alone any additional pay hike.
Baton Rouge, LA
