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Natchitoches Parish School Board approves reduction in force as budget shortfall grows
Summary
The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted to declare a reduction in force for 2026–27 after officials said the district faces a loss of federal grant funding and lower ad valorem revenue; staff estimated roughly $2 million in savings and about 25 positions affected, with a focus on non-instructional cuts and using attrition where possible.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted April 21 to approve a declaration of reduction in force for the 2026–27 school year after staff told the board the district faces the loss of federal Strong grant funding and reduced ad valorem revenue following a local plant closure.
Superintendent Dr. Eloy and executive staff said the board's action is intended to close an emerging budget gap. "Early estimates are somewhere in that over $2 million range of savings," the superintendent said, adding the district anticipates that "that will be somewhere around 25 positions." The board approved associated RIF procedures in the same motion on a roll-call vote with all members voting yes.
The superintendent and staff said the district will prioritize non-instructional cuts where possible and use attrition and retirements to soften the impact on classroom teachers. "We are going to look at non-instructional components wherever possible first," the superintendent said, noting prior staff reductions at central office and that some positions are grant-funded and cannot be sustained when grants end.
Board members asked for and received estimates and context during the discussion, including how prior RIFs and attrition have been managed. Staff representatives said they will continue meetings to refine the number and selection of positions and will report back as budget figures become clearer.
The board's action does not identify specific staff by name; the resolution authorized the superintendent and staff to implement procedures consistent with board policy and state law. Officials said they will attempt to create "soft landing" options, such as redeployment within the district or assistance identifying other local employment, when possible.
Board members said the decision was difficult but necessary to preserve the district's fiscal stability. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with every board member voting yes.
Next steps include further budget work by staff and follow-up committee meetings to finalize which positions will be affected and to establish timelines and notices to employees.
