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Board adopts 2024–25 budget amid concern over enrollment loss and projected shortfalls
Summary
The board approved the 2024–25 budget after staff presented fund summaries showing loss of federal one‑time funds, a projected decrease in state funding and an enrollment decline of about 100 students that together create a near‑term revenue shortfall.
Caldwell Parish financial staff presented the 2024–25 budget and fund summaries and the school board approved the budget after discussion about projected funding losses and falling enrollment.
The finance director said the district’s fund count has changed (from 56 to 42 funds) and highlighted a projected general fund shortfall referenced in the meeting (staff cited roughly $900,000 in projected deficit concerns in discussion). Board members and staff attributed part of the pressure to the phase‑out of one‑time federal grant funds (ESSER and similar awards), lower indirect cost recovery and a decline of about 100 students year‑over‑year; the staff estimated the enrollment loss could reduce revenue by on the order of $1 million. The superintendent and finance director discussed recent increases in health insurance and retirement contribution fluctuations and the net projected decreases in certain revenue lines (MFP/state formula funding projected to decline by at least about $345,000 as discussed).
The board asked about recruitment, teacher retention and steps the district is taking to retain students; staff described new workplace‑learning opportunities, attendance and student‑belonging initiatives, club expansion and efforts to use social media and community outreach to attract teachers and families. Board members acknowledged the difficulty of state and demographic headwinds — staff cited nationwide trends of lower birth rates and declining school populations.
The board also approved related items on the consent agenda and budgetary list during the meeting: distribution of one‑time funds to certified and support staff (state timing and availability discussed), approval of a differentiated compensation plan using limited state grant funds for critical shortage areas (stipend amounts adjusted down from prior year), and a short‑term lease of three school buses to maintain safe transportation through May 2025. Motions were made and approved for these items during the meeting.
The finance director said he will continue to refine projections and return to the board with more precise revenue estimates in February when state allocations are finalized.
