Board hears that voluntary scholarship fund will run out for new awards without renewed contributions
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Summary
A board member said the small, voluntary scholarship fund that historically supported three student recipients can cover current awardees for four years but lacks funding to support new scholarships beyond the current school year unless members resume contributions.
A board member (identified in the record as Speaker 5) told the St. Martin Parish School Board that the district's voluntary scholarship fund has enough reserves to pay currently awarded students for four years but will be unable to fund new awards after the current school year unless board members restart contributions.
Speaker 5 said the scholarship typically awards three students each year to support students entering the education field and that board members had historically contributed voluntarily. The presenter stated the current contribution level is "$50 a month" (as reported in the meeting record, SEG 041). She said contributions declined a few years ago, causing the fund to build a reserve but leaving future awards in doubt as current recipients continue to be supported.
Board members discussed the history of the fund and noted no immediate action was required; Speaker 5 said she distributed the most recent statements before the meeting. The board did not vote on a formal replenishment plan during the meeting.
Ending: The matter was left as an informational item with an invitation for board members to consider voluntary contributions; no formal motion or budget authorization was recorded.