Board gives superintendent discretion to advance LDOE and district stipends after staff survey

The Committee of the Whole discussed the timing of two staff stipend distributions and moved to give Superintendent Cole discretion to release the funds earlier than the dates listed on the agenda. An online commenter asked the board to move LDOE stipends from Nov. 26 to September or early October so teachers would receive timely support. Board members said neighboring parishes have earlier distributions and asked whether the district could do the same. Superintendent Cole said the board could direct an earlier release and noted the district historically timed stipends before Thanksgiving; he said staff would conduct a survey and that, with board approval, the district could move distributions earlier. Board member Martin asked that a survey be conducted; staff agreed to field a survey beginning Monday and to use results to guide timing. At the meeting the board voted to refer the item (and later to adopt a motion) granting the superintendent the discretion to release the LDOE stipends after the regular meeting, contingent on board approval of the regular meeting minutes and the superintendent’s review. The motion passed in a roll-call vote. The committee then addressed a separate district-funded certified and support-staff stipend item (initially scheduled for Dec. 23). Board members similarly approved a motion giving the superintendent discretion to release the district stipend earlier; the motion passed by roll call. Superintendent Cole asked eligible staff to complete the forthcoming timing survey so the district can act promptly following the next regular meeting. No exact earlier payment date was set; staff said any shift would still require formal approval at the next regular meeting before funds could be disbursed.