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State representative, lobbyists brief school board on teacher pay ballot measure and statewide issues
Summary
Lobbyists and State Rep. Josh Carlson updated the Lafayette Parish School Board on the upcoming legislative session and a proposed October constitutional amendment to fund permanent teacher pay raises and address retirement-system debt.
Randy Haney of Haney & Associates and state Rep. Josh Carlson updated the Lafayette Parish School Board on legislative priorities, including a proposed constitutional amendment on the October ballot that would create a permanent teacher pay raise and help shore up the teacher retirement system.
The lobbyist team told the board the Louisiana Legislature convenes March 9 and must complete at least 60 legislative days within the session. Randy Haney thanked the board for its participation in prior sessions and recounted successful efforts to allow retired teachers to return to the classroom. "It makes a big difference when you take your time for this Lafayette Parish school board to be in Baton Rouge to testify," Haney said.
Representative Josh Carlson described a proposed ballot amendment to provide a permanent teacher pay raise of $2,250 and a support-personnel raise of $1,125. Carlson said the plan would be funded by consolidating some constitutionally protected funds that currently generate only a few million dollars annually for education and that it would pay down roughly 25% of the teacher retirement system's debt. "We'd like to have your support in approving that so that we can strengthen the retirement system for our teachers and free up money that would go towards that permanent teacher pay raise," Carlson said.
Haney and Carlson also noted other issues likely to appear in Baton Rouge, including the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funding formula, ongoing debates about vouchers, and an increase in school bomb threats that has required law-enforcement responses. Haney referenced a string of threats the parish experienced two years prior and said the issue is "bubbling up right now." Carlson and Haney urged continued local monitoring and engagement by board members in Baton Rouge committee hearings.
No formal board action was taken at the meeting on the constitutional amendment or related legislation; the presenters were providing information and asking for future conversations and support. The board president thanked the presenters and noted the board members would continue to consult with Haney & Associates and Representative Carlson ahead of the legislative session.
