In a recent government meeting, significant developments were announced regarding funding and staffing for the Saint Mary Parish School Board. The board revealed that it has secured a grant of $692,576 from the Louisiana Public Service Commission, aimed at retrofitting older school buildings with LED upgrades. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the infrastructure of the district.

Chief Financial Officer Mr. Perry reported on the fiscal status, noting that sales tax collections for the month narrowly met budget expectations, with a total of $1,000,953 collected. This data is crucial as it will inform the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Mr. Perry also indicated that a detailed financial update would be provided in the next meeting.

Superintendent's report highlighted a recent legislative change with the signing of House Bill 967 into law, now known as Act 394. This act allows retired educators who have been out of the workforce for over 12 months to return to critical shortage positions without losing benefits. The district is actively encouraging eligible retirees to apply for these positions as they face staffing challenges.

Additionally, the school board announced that it has received over $823,227 for safety upgrades across 17 schools, with potential funding for an additional $240,000 for five more schools. This brings the total grants for safety improvements to over $1 million. The superintendent expressed gratitude to staff members who contributed to the grant application process.

Finally, the board approved pay raises for employees, a move that was warmly received by the superintendent, who emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work of educators and support staff in the district.