Louisiana school districts are revising their budgets after the state shifted millions in funds to teacher stipends or pay raises. The Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved guidance for Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive order, which requires teacher raises or stipends but changes how those funds reach local districts.
Impact on Local Schools
The state is reducing its monthly payments to school districts by an average of 5%. The executive order reroutes $168 million from the state’s Minimum Foundation Program, which typically covers general school operations, and converts it into one-time stipend payments for educators. State Superintendent Cade Brumley described the move as an “unprecedented action.” While he expressed hope that teachers would benefit from the increased pay, he acknowledged the strain on local systems.
In Caddo Parish, the school board unanimously approved its own local stipend plan, providing between $1,000 and $1,500 to eligible employees, following a 6% pay raise approved in June. District leaders say they intend to maintain essential services, including school security and transportation, despite the funding shift.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
