Lincoln Parish board formally canvasses failed sales‑tax consolidation, approves contractor, budget tweaks and construction actions

The Lincoln Parish School Board on July 7 formally canvassed the June 27 special election that sought to consolidate five parishwide sales taxes into a single 2.5‑cent levy and declared the proposition defeated. Finance staff reported 1,988 votes in favor and 3,188 against, a shortfall of about 1,200 votes; the board adopted the canvass resolution by roll call.

The board also approved multiple facilities and budget actions. After a competitive process and interviews, the board selected Triad Builders of Ruston as construction manager at risk for the Lincoln Parish early childhood conversion project; the motion to approve Triad was seconded and passed by voice vote. Facilities staff also presented change order number 1 for Schubert Elementary and Schubert High School — reducing the contract price by $20,000 out of contingency and adding 111 days to the contract schedule — which the board approved on motion.

Administrators asked for and received approval of a small revision to the district's final 2025–26 budget after reconciling omitted accounts. Finance staff said the revision increases general fund expenditures by $125,622 and adjusts maintenance and operations accounts with approximately $379,821 in additional expenditures (with $25,129 of related revenues and another $30,000 in operating expenses identified). The board approved the amendment on a motion and voice vote.

The board also approved three substantial completions so district administration may execute final completion documents for the Ruston High Pavilion (2024 bond project), the multipurpose/weight‑room building at Cheetland High and a three‑classroom addition at Sugar Elementary. Transportation staff requested and won board approval to declare two buses surplus and to dispose of them through the district's competitive bid process.

Votes at a glance - Canvass resolution for special election (06/27/2026): Motion to adopt canvass and declare results (mover: David Aylstra; second: Hunter Smith). Reported election tally: 1,988 for; 3,188 against (proposition failed). Board action: adopt canvass resolution (roll call vote recorded as in favor). - Triad Builders (LPEC CMAR selection): Motion to approve Triad as construction manager at risk (mover recorded as Joe Mitchell; second: George Mac Jr.). Board action: approved (voice vote). - Budget amendment (final 2025–26 revised budget): Motion to amend as requested by Juanita Duke (mover: Donna Dodds; second: Jake Bick). Board action: approved (voice vote). Key figures in staff presentation: +$125,622 general fund expenditures; ~+$379,821 maintenance & operations expenditures; +$25,129 revenues; +$30,000 operating expense item. - Change Order #1 (Schubert Elementary & Schubert High): Motion to approve CO #1 (mover: Danny Hancock; second: Hunter Smith). Board action: approved (voice vote). Terms: -$20,000 contingency (net price decrease) and +111 calendar days to contract time. - Substantial completions (Ruston High Pavilion; Cheetland High multipurpose/weight room; Sugar Elementary classroom additions): Motions approved to allow district administration to execute completion documents (voice votes). - Surplus buses: Motion to declare listed buses surplus and authorize disposal via bid (mover: Hunter; second: Debbie Abraham). Board action: approved (voice vote).

What board members said Juanita Duke, presenting the canvass and finance items, summarized the election totals and detailed the omitted accounts that prompted the budget revision, saying the adjustments keep district records compliant with local budgeting rules. Facilities staff explained the Schubert change order was driven by events outside contractor control, leading to the added 111 days while saving $20,000 from contingency. A public commenter opposed converting the LPEC facility into central office space; the board moved ahead with the Triad selection after the procurement presentation.

Next steps District administration will execute substantial completion documents and proceed with the CMAR contract process for the early‑childhood conversion. The board also directed transportation staff to begin the surplus disposal process. The board scheduled reports and further action items to continue in regular and special meetings.