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Board approves 4% cost‑of‑living increase for HES/Hess facilities contract amid commitments to pass funds to field staff
Summary
The board approved a contract amendment authorizing a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment to HES/Hess facilities management compensation (approx. $960,000); district leaders said they negotiated assurances that increased funds will flow to front‑line workers and that service metrics have improved.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on June 5 approved a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment to the HES/Hess facilities management contract, which district staff said will increase contract funding by about $960,000 for the 2025–26 school year.
Superintendent Cole told the board she had raised early concerns about facilities performance, then worked with HES/Hess leadership and district facilities staff to put KPIs and a communications structure in place. Cole said the district has seen improvements in service delivery and that she supports the contract increase because Hess “stepped up and gone above and beyond” and committed that the additional dollars will reach business partners’ field employees. Board members requested a written commitment from HES/Hess to confirm funds will be passed to evening janitors and subcontracted staff.
Board member Lanus, who has advocated for contractor accountability, urged distribution of a document to the full board detailing how the additional funds will be allocated; district staff and Hess representatives said they would provide the requested breakdown and key performance indicators in the meeting backup prior to the regular meeting. Board members praised improved cleanliness and faster response times and noted metrics presented by staff showing improvement in contract performance (e.g., cleanliness scores rising across reporting periods).
The motion to approve the contractable increase was moved by board member Sewell and seconded by board member Powell Lewis; the motion carried. District counsel said an addendum will be drafted for board approval at the regular meeting and that the board would receive the contract language and transparency documentation in advance.
Why it matters: The amendment affects school maintenance funding, frontline custodial compensation via contractors, and summer and transition work tied to the district’s realignment and facility readiness ahead of the school year. Board members emphasized accountability, communication and documentation to ensure the intended wage effects reach employees who do the work.
