Board approves advertising for new purchasing agent after debate over timing and budget

The Saint Mary Parish School Board approved advertising a job description for a new purchasing agent at its Jan. 9 meeting, following debate about whether to add a personnel position midyear or wait for the regular budget process.

Administration said the position was a recommendation of recent audits and that centralizing purchasing would create cost savings, improve compliance, and streamline procurement. The job description as approved requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, procurement or a related field and permits teleworking during unexpected office closures.

Board member Miss Griffin asked whether the position should be included in the annual budget rather than approved midyear. She noted the district is currently recruiting a chief financial officer and suggested that the incoming CFO be involved. Administration responded that auditors and the audit firm LaneFrog had recommended the position repeatedly and that there is sufficient funding in the current budget to pay roughly four and a half months of salary if a candidate were hired immediately; a subsequent budget revision tied to federal-grant accounting would include full-year funding.

Mister Perry, the district CFO, confirmed the current budget can cover the partial-year cost. Miss LaSalle moved to approve advertising the position; Mister Parity seconded and the motion carried.

Ending: The board approved advertising the position; human resources and business affairs staff will advertise the role and return with hiring timelines and a planned budget amendment to cover the full annual cost.