A survey of Louisiana teacher union members found nearly two-thirds of respondents oppose Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to divert school operations funding to provide another round of pay stipends for public school teachers and support staff.

Background

The governor proposed the redirection of school funding after Louisiana voters rejected a constitutional amendment on the May 16 ballot that would have dissolved three education trust funds to pay off teacher retirement system debt.

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers endorsed the amendment, but 58% of voters opposed the measure last month along with three other proposals Landry supported.

Concerns

Local school system leaders have said the governor’s plans would likely have unintended ripple effects, as the state funds being tapped are used for expenses such as insurance and building maintenance.

Teachers and school employees are making their position very clear,” Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter said in a news release. “They do not want a pay cut. And they do not want the state to fund their pay by cutting the MFP and shifting the burden onto local school districts, students, and school services.”

The teacher union’s survey results also showed 91% of respondents had concerns that tapping into their MFP funding could lead to staff cuts, larger class sizes, program or service reductions and more pressure on school system budgets.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.