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St. Mary Parish board hears fiscal update as enrollment falls and sales-tax renewal nears
Summary
At its Oct. 9 meeting the St. Mary Parish School Board heard the CFO report that sales-tax collections are 8% below projections and the superintendent reported Oct. 1 enrollment down 240 students; the superintendent also reminded voters about an Oct. 11 vote to renew a 0.45% sales tax dedicated to salaries and benefits.
The St. Mary Parish School Board received a fiscal update Thursday that included weaker-than-expected sales-tax receipts and a decline in student enrollment ahead of a local sales-tax renewal vote.
Chief Financial Officer Miss Boisent reported year-to-date sales-tax collections from July through September are 8% unfavorable. She said September collections were approximately $2,071,000, about $268,000 under the monthly budget, and that financial statements through September were included in the board packet.
Superintendent Dr. Faganbush reported draft Oct. 1 enrollment counts: 6,719 students in grades K–12, a decline of 240 students from the same date last year; total enrollment including other categories is 7,008. He explained Louisiana’s Oct. 1 counts are used to calculate the minimum foundation program per-pupil amount the district receives.
Dr. Faganbush also reminded the public that on Saturday, Oct. 11 voters will decide whether to renew a 0.45% sales tax dedicated to supplementing salaries and benefits for teachers and other personnel. He emphasized this is a renewal of an existing levy originally approved by voters in March 2021.
Why it matters: lower sales-tax revenue and declining enrollment can both reduce the district’s operating resources and influence budget planning in the coming year. The Oct. 11 renewal vote would maintain a local revenue stream dedicated to compensation if voters approve it.
Board members did not take immediate formal action on the enrollment figures or the CFO projections during the meeting; the board continues normal budget review and will reflect revenues and enrollment in future budget materials.
