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Natchitoches Parish School Board adopts 2026–27 budget with $90.3M in planned spending
Summary
The board approved the 2026–27 operating and capital budgets after a public hearing; the plan shows $80.6 million in revenues, $90.3 million in expenditures (a $9.0 million capital‑related deficit), and a small projected general‑fund surplus of roughly $77,000. The board voted to adopt the resolution by roll call.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted on July 14 to approve the 2026–27 annual operating and capital budget after a public hearing and presentations from staff.
Budget presenter Steven Stanfield summarized a 59‑page proposal that lists $80,600,000 in total revenues and $90,300,000 in total expenditures for all funds, a gap Stanfield attributed primarily to planned capital projects funded by bond proceeds. The document shows a projected deficit of $9,000,009.61 for all funds and a modest projected surplus of about $77,000 in the general fund. Stanfield told the board the district expects to maintain a general‑fund reserve of roughly 16 percent, above the board policy minimum of 10 percent.
Stanfield highlighted several items that may change the budget later: a proposed state salary change under consideration by the legislature and courts, an unfinished mineral/oil lease negotiation, and enrollment declines the document projects (a decrease of 10 early‑childhood seats and 230 K–12 students). He also noted projected increases in group medical insurance (a mid‑year 7.28 percent increase) and a transportation contract cost increase of $863,771 that have been built into the numbers.
The presentation included fund‑by‑fund details: 24 special revenue funds, four debt service funds, and two capital projects funds; 13 active federal grants and about $2.4 million in identified local/state grants. Stanfield said the district will continue to monitor the state Minimum Foundation Program figures and may need to amend the budget when final state numbers are published.
Board members discussed staffing and program implications; Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloy and staff emphasized that personnel actions and reductions had been taken to balance recurring costs and that the district remains within statutory staffing ratios where required. Stanfield outlined the capital schedule tied to recent bond proceeds and gave anticipated milestones: notice to proceed on construction about November 30, 2026, and anticipated occupancy on Feb. 28, 2028.
After a five‑minute public comment period, Board President moved to adopt the budget resolution. The board called the roll and the motion passed. The board recorded the adoption of the 2026–27 operating budget and the accompanying resolution. The district will publish the approved budget and amend it later if state revenue or grant awards change.
Next steps: staff said they will post the final budget documents and make adjustments if the state MFP or other revenue sources are updated.
