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Board approves $372,000 bridge payment to keep STARBASE operating through Sept. 30
Summary
The board approved a one-time $372,000 payment to fund the STARBASE program through the end of fiscal 2025 after uncertainty in federal funding; district staff said they expect potential federal reimbursement but will use local funds now to preserve the program.
The Bossier Parish School Board voted March 20 to provide a one-time payment of $372,000 to support the STARBASE STEM education program at Barksdale through Sept. 30, 2025.
Superintendent Jason Rowland told the board the payment was requested after federal defense funding cuts earlier this year disrupted STARBASE programs nationally. Rowland said local donors covered part of the program temporarily but the board was asked to “front load $372,000 to pay for the remainder of the fiscal year through FY ’25,” a one-time bridge to preserve the program while the district works with federal contacts to secure ongoing funding.
Public commenter Bill Castelka, a longtime STARBASE board member, urged support and described STARBASE as a program that “inspires the youth of our country, to explore STEM concepts while reinforcing the traditional math and science skills.” Board members who visited the site described visible enthusiasm from students and supported preserving the program.
Chief Financial Officer Nisha Bamberg said the district will use instructional funding first (described in the meeting as “beef” funding for the instructional piece) and may use a portion of the general fund for administrative costs; she and staff said they are hopeful a recently passed continuing resolution could backfill the expense if it covers STARBASE.
Board members clarified the approval was strictly for the balance of fiscal year 2025 (through Sept. 30); funding for FY 2026 would be addressed separately. Eric Falting moved to approve the supplemental funding; the motion was seconded by Board member Garvey and passed.
The transcript does not record a roll-call tally. The board’s approval directs staff to implement payment and continue efforts to obtain federal reimbursement or future funding.
