Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Adoption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
St. Bernard Parish School Board adopts 2026–27 budget after discussion about teacher stipends
Summary
The St. Bernard Parish School Board unanimously adopted its 2026–27 general and special revenue budgets after members discussed whether the district could find additional local funds for teacher pay; board staff said one-time stipends were distributed earlier that day.
The St. Bernard Parish School Board voted unanimously on May 26 to adopt the 2026–27 general fund and special revenue budgets, including salary schedules.
Board member Miss Harris pressed district leaders on whether the school system could identify local funds to provide a new stipend or pay raise for teachers after a state-level funding formula review. “Is there an opportunity for us to look within our own budget to find a stipend opportunity or a pay raise opportunity, even if it's after the October 1 count?” Harris asked, noting concern for staff accustomed to a certain income level.
The district replied that a number of state and local uncertainties remain. The superintendent’s office said the governor has formed a task force to review the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula starting July 1; district leaders said they expect further guidance and potential changes by fall. District staff cautioned that, without additional state revenue, significant local increases would require cutting positions or other expenditures because salaries and benefits represent the largest portion of the budget.
District staff also told the board the district used locally identified funds to issue one-time payments that day: $2,200 to each teacher and $1,500 to support staff. “Today we sent out the checks,” the clerk stated during the meeting, describing the board’s decision to allocate available local funds to immediate supplements.
Miss Harris said she appreciated waiting for the state’s decisions but urged the board to explore internal budget options so the district would be ready to act. The board then moved to adopt the budgets; the motion passed 10–0.
The board noted the budgets were recommended by committee and that a public hearing on the budget had been held. The chair said the board will continue to monitor state action on the MFP formula and revisit the local budget as needed.
Next steps include routine financial reporting and the board’s plan to reconvene if additional funding options arise or if the superintendent search schedule affects timing for any budget amendments.
