Bossier City, La. – On Thursday night the Bossier Parish School Board took action to ease the financial strain many educators and staff face between the December 18 and January 25 pay periods. The board approved a one‑time New Year bridge supplement that will be paid on Jan. 8.
Details of the supplement
Full‑time certificated employees, including teachers and other credentialed staff, will receive a $2,000 payment. Support personnel – such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and other essential staff – will receive a $1,000 payment. This marks the third board‑approved supplement since June, bringing total supplemental payments for full‑time certificated employees to $2,875 and for support personnel to $1,625.
Board and superintendent comments
Superintendent Jason Rowland praised the board’s decision, saying it “goes above and beyond what was required” and reflects the board’s “unwavering belief in the people who make our school system exemplary.” Finance Chair Eric Newman added that the board chose a “different path” that “recognizes the value of every person who serves our children,” emphasizing that “everyone plays a role, because at Bossier Schools everything matters.”
Connection to state policy
The supplement aligns with Governor Jeff Landry’s June executive order directing $168 million of Minimum Foundation Program funds toward one‑time stipends of $2,000 for classroom teachers and $1,000 for support staff for the 2026‑27 school year. The governor’s order excluded several specialized positions that had received supplements in prior years, including school nurses, counselors, therapists, principals and assistant principals.
Impact on the community
Local families and school employees welcome the additional funds, noting that the timing helps bridge the gap between two paychecks during the holiday season. By providing the supplement to all full‑time employees, the board aims to support the broader educational mission and reinforce the partnership between educators, staff and the families they serve.
Looking ahead
The board’s decision underscores a continued commitment to fiscal measures that directly benefit school personnel. As the new school year progresses, Bossier Parish officials say they will continue to monitor budgetary needs and explore additional ways to support the district’s educators and support staff.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
