St. Mary Parish School Board calls Oct. 11 sales-tax renewal, approves one‑time staff supplements and $3M device refresh

The St. Mary Parish School Board voted April 10 to call a special election on Oct. 11, 2025, asking voters to renew a 0.45% sales and use tax and approved several spending items financed by that tax and other district funds.

Board members unanimously approved a resolution calling the October election to renew the existing 0.45% sales and use tax that the parish originally approved in 2021, according to Jason Akers, the district’s bond counsel. The resolution directs staff to submit required paperwork to the state bond commission, the Secretary of State and the attorney general so the renewal can appear on the Oct. 11 ballot.

The tax was first approved in 2021 to supplement salaries in the district. Jason Akers told the board the tax was a five‑year levy and that the Oct. 11 date was the next available regular election date that allowed the district time to meet statutory deadlines.

Separately, the board approved disbursement of funds tied to the 4.5% sales tax salary supplement. The board voted to authorize one‑time payments for employees: $1,000 for certified staff (described at the…