Caddo Parish board approves five‑year tax exemption for Lubrication Technologies amid questions over return to schools

The Caddo Parish School Board on March 18, 2025, approved a five‑year property tax exemption under the ITEP program for Lubrication Technologies Inc., despite public concern about giving away tax revenue and requests for clearer commitments tying the exemption to student or district benefits.

The motion to approve the ITEP exemption was made by Miss Veil and seconded by Mister Shell. After public comment and discussion among board members, the measure passed by a 9-0 voice vote.

Why it matters: The board approved the exemption as the district prepares voters to renew millage funding, prompting questions from residents about whether the district should be granting tax relief while seeking additional local funding. Several speakers asked that any public incentive include measurable returns to students, such as internships or career‑training partnerships.

Public comment and concerns: John Glover, a resident of Shreveport, criticized the exemption during the visitor section, saying the district should not give away public dollars while seeking additional taxpayer support. "If you're gonna give away money, then don't ask us to give you money," Glover said, citing the figure discussed during the meeting of roughly $38,000 per year over five years.

Jackie Lansdale, a community member, urged the board to develop a policy to measure benefits from incentives and to require that companies receiving tax breaks provide concrete returns to students. "There needs to be some appreciable way to measure that," Lansdale said, suggesting internships, STEM programs or other partnerships.

Board discussion and staff follow‑up: Several board members supported the exemption while urging follow‑through. Miss Bell and Mister Rochelle said they expected the company to partner with the district on workforce and internship opportunities; Mister Rochelle cited an economic multiplier estimate he said would generate sales tax revenue in excess of the exemption amount. Mister Omlin expressed reservations about the district acting as an economic development incentive without explicit returns for schools.

Superintendent Burton told the board he had already connected company representatives with district staff to explore internships and other partnerships. Board counsel Jeff Howard noted a procedural limit: if the board postponed action, state review deadlines could result in automatic approval at the state level. Howard also said state rules governing such exemptions were changing and future approvals may not come to local boards.

Vote and outcome: The motion to approve the ITEP property tax exemption for Lubrication Technologies Inc. passed 9-0. Board members asked staff to formalize partnership commitments and to return with a policy or agreement outlining measurable benefits to students and the district.

Next steps: District staff will follow up with the company on internships and partnership details, and some board members asked the policy committee to draft a standard for incentive agreements to ensure public benefit.