Acadia Parish School Board reviews FY25‑26 budget; staff report one‑time costs could flip deficit to surplus
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Summary
Finance staff told the board that FY25‑26 shows a projected deficit of about $856,000 but noted roughly $1.8 million in one‑time expenditures; after removing those, staff estimated about a $1,000,000 surplus and listed savings from insurance and retirement plan changes.
Finance staff (identified in the meeting as Justin) reviewed revenue and expenditure comparisons and the proposed FY25‑26 budget.
Justin reported general fund revenues at 82.91% ($75,841,284) and expenditures at 74.78% ($68,765,574) for the current year, and warned that invoices for the Crowley High HVAC replacement could arrive before June 30 and create a one‑time deficit. He listed line‑item changes in the proposed budget, including a 5% reduction in Blue Cross health insurance (estimated $389,000 savings), a TRSL rate decline saving about $50,000, a school employees rate reduction saving about $25,000, eight teaching positions eliminated through attrition (approximate $480,000 saving) and additional attrition savings of about $150,000 in other positions.
Justin highlighted a $1.3 million projected saving tied to a shift of retiree health insurance to a Medicare Advantage plan and noted a planned $500,000 increase in the textbook line after ESSER funds expired. Overall, he said the district’s accounting shows an $856,000 projected deficit but that removing one‑time items produces an approximate $1,000,000 surplus.
Board members asked clarifying questions about textbook funding sources and digital vs. print licensing costs. Staff explained federal program guidance has changed, reducing prior flexibility to purchase textbooks through certain federal funds and shifting costs to the general fund.
The board approved the FY25‑26 expenditures proposal by voice vote at the committee meeting.
