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Board authorizes superintendent to release teacher stipends; approves differentiated stipend program for retention
Summary
After hearing online comments from teachers and constituents, the committee moved to allow Superintendent Cole discretion to release state and district stipend payments sooner than originally scheduled; the committee also approved a differentiated stipend program tied to professional development and performance goals.
The Committee of the Whole on Sept. 4 voted to permit Superintendent Cole to release two categories of teacher stipends at his discretion after the regular board meeting rather than adhere to the originally scheduled distribution dates.
Board members discussed the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) stipend distribution date, which had been scheduled for Nov. 26, 2025, and a district-funded certified and support staff stipend originally scheduled for Dec. 23, 2025. Online commenters urged earlier disbursement (September26ndash;October) to provide immediate relief to teachers. Superintendent Cole and staff told the board that the district historically distributed stipends near the holidays but could accelerate payment if the board directed it. The board agreed to survey staff and authorized the superintendent to release funds at his discretion once the regular meeting approves the final action.
The motion to give the superintendent discretion was finalized via roll call and recorded yes votes from District 1 (Mr. Blue), District 2 (Mr. Lanus), District 3 (Ms. Powell Lewis), District 4 (President Stewart), District 6 (Mr. Russ), District 7 (Vice President Godet), District 8 (Ms. Soule), and District 9 (Mr. Martin). Board staff said they will issue a staff survey on Monday to gauge preferred timing and then act consistent with the staff consensus.
Separately, the committee approved a district request to implement a differentiated stipend program provided by the LDOE for retention and recruitment. District staff said the program targets eligible teachers and teacher leaders in hard-to-staff content areas and economically disadvantaged schools. Key program details cited by staff: - Stipend amounts: typically $1,500 for completing a series of professional-development sessions, with programs structured so participants could earn up to $2,000 in a school year in some cases. - Eligible groups: high-school Algebra I and Geometry teachers; high-school English I and II teachers at economically disadvantaged schools; middle-school math and English teachers at qualifying schools; third- and fifth-grade SPED and ELL teachers at qualifying schools; K26ndash;2 teachers at designated foundational learning centers; and one teacher leader per school. - Participation requirements: a scheduled series of professional-development sessions (district staff described five sessions for most participants and 90% attendance required for stipend eligibility); payment expected March26ndash;April after completion.
The differentiated stipend motion was moved by Board Member Powell Lewis, seconded by Board Member Martin, and the motion carried. Staff said funds must be spent by June 30 and that program details and eligibility lists will be shared with school leaders and payroll once finalized.
Board members expressed thanks to state lawmakers for providing stipend funds and asked the superintendent to expedite distribution where possible once the full board acts.
