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Natchitoches Parish School Board adopts 2025–26 budget, approves stipend schedule
Summary
The Natchitoches Parish School Board on Sept. 15 adopted its fiscal 2025–26 operating budget, approved distribution guidance for state and federal stipends and heard projections showing maintained reserves and modest enrollment decline.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted Sept. 15 to adopt its final operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, after a presentation by consultant Steven Stanfield.
Stanfield summarized the 55-page document required by the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act, noting the budget includes three years of financial data and student-performance goals. He told the board the district projects 4,619 K–12 students for 2025–26, a drop of 58 students from last year, and expects a general-fund reserve above the district policy minimum of 10 percent.
The budget’s largest revenue sources are the state minimum foundation program (about $28 million), sales and use taxes (projected at $23.5 million) and property taxes (projected lower this year, in part due to a local tax not being assessed). Stanfield said the district budgets conservatively and expects an excess in all funds across the plan.
Board members also approved guidance for stipend payments tied to recent state and federal provisions. Superintendent Dr. Eloy said the district will distribute a portion of performance-based TAP funds before Sept. 30, when federal timing requires, and will pay the MFP stipend (the state-funded stipend, described in the budget materials) before the October fall break. The MFP stipend amount discussed in the meeting is $2,000 for certificated employees and $1,000 for noncertificated employees; pre-K personnel not covered by MFP will receive stipends funded through Title II, Dr. Eloy said.
The board approved the resolution adopting and finalizing the 2025–26 operating budget and a revision to the prior fiscal year budget by recorded vote.
What’s next: The board will post the budget on the district website as required by law; the presentation also noted a bond election in School District No. 11 on Nov. 15, which, if approved by voters, could increase future debt issuance.
Sources: Presentation by Steven Stanfield to the Natchitoches Parish School Board during the Sept. 15 meeting.
