Lafayette Parish board adopts 2026–27 expenditures package, approves property-value update and several renewals

The Lafayette Parish School Board voted May 19 to adopt the 2026–27 expenditures package, a spending plan the district reported will leave a projected $664,129 shortfall next year.

The presenter, speaking through the board meeting, said: "Revenue collections are at $76,495,843 for 83.89% of the expected budget," adding that expenditures stood at "$70,584,314 at 76.5% of the budget" and that the district is "still looking at a budget deficit ... right over 1,000,000 dollars" for the current year. For next year the presenter reported expected revenues of $90,428,371 and expected expenditures of $91,092,500, producing the $664,129 gap.

Why it matters: board members emphasized that staffing and benefits remain the largest drivers of cost. The presenter told the board a 5% increase in health insurance would raise general-fund expenses by roughly $451,000, while decreases in retirement contribution rates (TRSL and school employees) produced offsetting savings the presenter quantified at about $667,000 and $48,000 respectively. The presenter also highlighted a completed Crowley High air‑conditioning project that reduced next year's projected expenditures by roughly $1,000,000.

The board also approved an updated property schedule of values. The presenter said the schedule rose by $3,602,819 compared with last year and put the total schedule at $262,526,829. The board discussed a $25,000 per‑building deductible; staff explained that facilities with construction costs under that threshold would be self‑insured.

Technology and grants: board members spent notable time on device replacement. The presenter said many Chromebooks purchased with ESSER funds are reaching end of life; the district listed about 24,000 devices in inventory and estimated roughly $700,000 per year in Chromebook replacement and testing costs going forward. When members asked about reusing or selling older devices, staff cautioned that devices purchased with federal or grant funds (for example, Title I or ESSER) must be tracked and any proceeds generally return to the original funding source, limiting how proceeds may be applied to the general fund.

Other actions taken: the board approved renewal of a surface and subservice agreement with Anchor Oil and Gas LLC that would pay the district $3,000 per year; renewed the district's 2026–27 casualty insurance program, with staff saying the premium decreased by $49,332 to a total cost of $604,365; and awarded multiple child nutrition bids for the 2026–27 year. Staff said the district's summer box‑lunch distribution will begin the first week of June and run for five weeks on Tuesdays at the educational center (replacing one prior site). Each of these items was approved by motion and voice vote.

The presenter noted the district's near‑term cash position: an approximate $28,000,000 true general fund balance, and recurring millage renewals that bring about $10,000,000 per year. The board adopted the expenditures package after discussion; the chair declared the motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned later the same night.