Bossier Parish School Board approves $2,500 bump to teacher base, 4.75% for support staff

The Bossier Parish School Board voted to approve a locally funded pay increase for the 2025–26 school year that raises the base teacher salary by $2,500 and applies a 4.75% increase to certified multipliers and hourly support pay scales. Superintendent Jason Rowland and Chief Financial Officer Nisha Bamberg presented the proposal and the board approved the measure by motion (mover: Mr. Faulting; second: Ms. Darby).

District staff said the package is funded locally and does not rely on a state contribution. Bamberg told the board the changes will put certified staff on a new base that translates to about a 4.75% increase overall and that the same 4.75% will be applied to hourly rates for support staff; the district’s estimate for the recurring cost is about $10.6 million.

The proposal also includes administrative refinements to other pay schedules: band directors and full-stipend high-school coaches were moved to step methods that mirror the district’s salary structure; transportation extra-run rates and the supplementary schedule for after-hours teacher work were updated and included in the published 2025–26 schedules.

Board members and community representatives framed the vote as a response to recruitment and retention pressures and recent uncertainty about state funding. Multiple members said they had reviewed alternate, smaller proposals but chose the full package to avoid leaving employees short if state support falters. A public commenter representing Red River United thanked the board and district leaders for the action.

The board directed staff to publish the revised 2025–26 certified and support schedules and to proceed with implementing the increases in the district payroll for the next school year. The vote carried and was recorded as approved by the board.