Caddo School Board to Vote on Proposed 2015-16 Budget

The Caddo Parish School Board is set to vote this afternoon on a $488-million budget proposal that will increase the number of special education personnel, while maintaining a balanced budget.

If it's approved, the plan will be the second balanced budget in more than a decade. The first was approved in June 2014.

Here's more from a CPSB news release:

In the proposed budget, the district maintains an increase in instructional technology dollars used for classroom needs, which is double what was seen prior to Superintendent Lamar Goree’s arrival, as well as teacher supply money. District staff also have asked board members to consider increases in dollars for ACT and Advanced Placement preparatory courses as well as funds for the school system’s pursuit of districtwide accreditation.

"This budget presented to the Board for approval shows our priorities are aligned directly to the classroom and increasing rigor and wide-ranging offerings for our students," Dr. Goree said. "The addition of Advanced Placement and ACT preparatory courses are essential for our high school students and we are pleased the Board is willing to consider an investment which will reap great rewards for our students in the years to come."

Budget projections were based on the MFP formula approved by the Legislature last Thursday. That formula includes a small growth factor increase which will generate approximately $500,000 in additional revenue. District staff also note this budget cycle is the first in seven years where districts are set to see a decrease in the percentage of retirement costs paid at the local level. That reduction will result in a net savings of approximately $3-million.

"This budget reflects the needs of our students and staff, but was also created to address the community’s desire to have a budget designed with the classroom in mind while remaining fiscally responsible," said Chief Financial Officer Jim Lee.

The Board will meet Tuesday at 4:30PM in the Board Room at Central Office for a public hearing on the budget proposal. The Board will then vote on the plan during its regular session following the public hearing.