Ascension Parish committee reviews proposed 2026–27 budget with tech, retiree and security increases

Regina Jackson, a staff member, told the Ascension Parish committee the proposed 2026–27 general‑fund budget projects $359,300,000 in revenues and $354,972,977 in expenditures, producing the surplus shown in the presentation.

The presentation laid out major proposed increases, including a line for a $1,500,000 staff pay increase, $1,350,000 for instructional staff, $1,700,000 for maintenance, $1,000,000 for transportation, $2,300,000 for IT software and $3,000,000 for retiree insurance. Jackson said the revenue increase reflects stronger local receipts, noting a $17,000,000 rise in sales tax and $31,800,000 in ad valorem revenue while state MFP aid is projected to decrease by 5.3 percent.

The substance of the discussion shifted into public comment before the staff briefing concluded. "If this community chooses to rubber stamp these funds while turning a blind eye to both data and the community," resident Ethan Smith said, "we're spending millions of public dollars on technical vendors and automated veil gates while forcing families to absorb the emotional and financial costs of clear plastic bags." Smith cited line‑item changes in the draft — an $800,000 increase under regular instruction for materials and supplies and about $965,000 for technology‑related supplies — and urged the committee to prioritize classroom support rather than surveillance measures.

Jackson walked the committee through fund‑level details and amendments to the current year, saying the 2025–26 amendments include a one‑time state payment of $7,100,000, a November 2025 one‑time district payment of $5,300,000 and a $3,000,000 increase in retiree health insurance, for a total of $15,400,000 in amendments.

Committee members pressed staff on the composition of transfers and fund balances; Jackson said prior transfers included $7.8 million for health care and that projected transfers for 2026–27 would be lower. She also reviewed the health care fund, debt service projections and construction/bond funds and reminded the committee that formal budget approval is scheduled for June 23, giving members about a month to request changes.

The meeting included discussion of extracurricular compensation, peer comparisons and internal analysis staff will continue to refine. A member suggested forming a small committee to study camera policies and program costs; the chair agreed and the meeting concluded with a motion that was seconded but not voted on during the recorded discussion.

The committee will receive updated figures and options before the June 23 approval deadline.