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Caldwell Parish School Board flags budget shortfall, considers staffing cuts
Summary
Board members heard a detailed financial update showing line-item shortfalls, reduced competitive grant awards and a projected loss of roughly 34 students that could force cuts of up to five positions; staff said they will return with two to three budget package proposals for board review.
The Caldwell Parish School Board received a detailed budget update and conceded the district faces material fiscal pressure that may require staff reductions or fund shifts.
The district presenter reviewed year‑to‑date figures, noting mixed results across funds: some categorical lines showed favorable year‑to‑date positions while the general fund faces a shortfall compared with last year. Staff warned that cuts to competitive grants and volatility in reimbursements have widened the gap between planned and actual revenues. The district calculated that a loss of roughly 34 students would materially reduce funding under the state’s Minimum Foundation Program and could necessitate cutting up to five positions based on current enrollment projections.
Board members and staff discussed options to manage the shortfall, including shifting eligible employees to Medicaid‑reimbursable positions or moving roles to grants where possible. Staff said some competitive grant awards that the district previously budgeted for—such as certain redesign and CLSD funds—were reduced or not distributed at anticipated levels, and that the district successfully obtained one competitive grant after local grant-writing efforts. The presenter described MFP and high‑cost services adjustments and noted that some awards were much smaller than budgeted.
Members emphasized transparency and process: several asked that any proposed package of budget reductions or reassignments be circulated at least a week or two in advance of a vote and discussed at a full‑board special meeting or retreat so all board members and the public can review options. The board scheduled further committee work and a retreat window to produce two to three proposals for consideration.
Board members also pointed to steep cost pressures outside personnel: property insurance and utility costs have risen sharply in recent years, and district payroll obligations (salaries and benefits) account for the majority of ongoing expenditures, limiting non‑personnel savings. Staff confirmed roughly 85% of the current budget is spent on salaries and benefits, emphasizing that any meaningful reductions will likely affect positions.
What happens next: staff will develop budget packages and present options to the board in the coming weeks, with the goal of allowing time for review ahead of any formal vote.
