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Superintendent previews May 16 millage proposal; board recognizes science-fair winners
Summary
Superintendent Batist previewed a proposed $9.9 million property tax increase to be presented May 16 to fund staff raises, security and facility upgrades; the board also recognized winners of a district science fair and presented a resolution honoring educator Joseph Casmir.
Superintendent Batist told the St. Landry Parish School Board on March 5 that the district will propose a $9.9 million property tax increase on May 16 intended to fund a $2,500 annual raise for school employees, security improvements (resource officers, fencing, cameras) and facility upgrades including auditoria and athletic tracks.
During his remarks Superintendent Batist framed the proposal as a parish-wide effort with student and community input and said the current millage rate has not increased since the 1980s. A student, introduced by the superintendent as Payton, briefly described the May 16 proposal to the board and attendees.
The board also spent significant time honoring students: officials presented elementary, junior and senior division science-fair winners from across the parish and invited students and parents forward for medals and photos. The district read a resolution honoring the late educator Joseph Casmir for 47 years of service; Patricia Casemir and family received the proclamation.
Why it matters: the proposed millage would raise local property tax revenue to pay for recurring employee pay increases and capital improvements. Board members emphasized community outreach and education about the millage and asked citizens to read informational materials before voting.
Other items: board members approved the district's fiscal year 2024–25 audit (unmodified opinion), authorized a series of informational workshops with the legislative auditor to improve members' budget literacy, approved $200 in travel assistance for a student competing in a national career-development competition, and adopted the 2026–27 academic calendar (Option A) based on a district survey.
Next steps: Superintendent Batist and staff indicated the district will continue outreach ahead of the May 16 proposition; no ballot language or formal millage ordinance was recorded in the meeting transcript.
