St. Landry School Board Finance Committee Proposing More Cuts


The finance committee of the St. Landry Parish school board is proposing more cuts. Since last year, the St. Landry School Board has been struggling financially. The board avoided state takeover when it presented cost-cutting plans to the state two months ago. Part of those plans were layoffs, but that still hasn't been approved.

The St. Landry Parish school board finance committee's latest proposed cuts, freeze employee salary increases starting July 1st, that applies to employees who work more than 25 years. They receive what's called a "step increase" and stopping that would save roughly $350,0000.

Another recommendation, newly hired Pre-K through 8th grade principals would work 11-months instead of a full year and interim superintendent Joseph Cassimere has his own proposals for layoffs. Cuts that have already happened, ending the school year three days early, eliminating health insurance premiums paid by the board, and cutting back on substitute teachers.
According to Eunice Today, a consulting firm the state hired to oversee finances says the school district is making progress and the deficit will wind up at around $1 million as opposed to $4 million, but it's not enough to save money and the longer the board delays action, the worse it'll get.

Several calls were made to St. Landry Parish school board members and members who sit on the finance committee, but no one wants to talk about it. The school board will consider cuts at its meeting next Thursday.

 


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