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Lafourche Parish adopts 2026–27 salary schedule with 1.5% raise and $8,000 resident‑teacher stipend
Summary
The board approved a 2026–27 salary schedule that adds a 1.5% across‑the‑board increase plus one step for eligible employees and creates an $8,000 Nicholls State resident‑teacher stipend (about 22 residents, estimated cost $191,000). The vote carried by voice.
Lafourche Parish officials adopted the 2026–27 salary schedule at the May 13 meeting, approving a 1.5% across‑the‑board increase and a one‑step increase for eligible employees, and establishing a new $8,000 resident‑teacher stipend tied to Nicholls State University.
The agenda listed Miss Chastity Gille as the senior director presenting the schedule; staff summarized key changes including elimination of the 212‑day teacher schedule, addition of certain positions (ELL, homeless and pre‑K), and a new testing/data/accountability coordinator position. Staff estimated the combined effect of the 1.5% increase plus steps would raise total compensation by about $1.9 million (all funds) and about $1.618 million within the general fund.
During discussion, board members and staff addressed how the resident‑teacher stipend will work. Staff said the $8,000 stipend will be paid in two installments ($4,000 after each semester) and is intended for Nicholls State University residents who accept a district position; the stipend is expected to serve roughly 22 residents in 2026 at a projected cost of $191,000 to the district. The board heard that recipients who accept the stipend and then decline the district position would be required to reimburse the stipend; human resources will finalize the precise terms, including whether priority schools may be given preference for hires.
Board members also discussed employer costs for group health insurance and retirement. Staff noted increases on the employer side for health insurance coverage (single coverage cited moving from $380 to $533 per month as an employer cost in the materials) and outlined projected decreases in certain retirement employer contribution rates. One member warned that the roughly $200 monthly increase in employer health cost is equivalent to about $2,400 per year and urged that the district clearly explain the change to employees.
The presentation also noted uncertainty related to a pending constitutional amendment on the ballot that could affect state pay supplements; staff said the schedule would be amended at a future meeting if state action changes the numbers presented. After discussion the board approved the salary schedule on a voice vote.
The board said staff will return with finalized implementation details from human resources and any necessary amendments if state actions require adjustments.
