Bossier Parish voters overwhelmingly turned down 2 tax proposals to fund teacher pay and technology in Bossier schools.

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A large voter turnout of more than 24,000 showed up for the typically low springtime election. Here's what the final numbers look like:

Proposition 1 for Teacher Salaries:

18,142 NO 74%

6,290 YES 26%

Proposition 2 for Technology:

18,221 NO 75%

6,144 YES 25%

Here is a statement from the Bossier Parish School Board:
We are understandably disappointed that competitive salaries will continue to be out of reach for the 3,000+ educators and support employees that make Bossier Schools the outstanding school system it is. Over the last couple of months, we have heard the viewpoints from numerous residents and business leaders, as well as their pledge of support for educators, and look forward to working together to find an alternative solution that will offer the children of Bossier Parish the best educational outcome they deserve.

These new millage increases would have bumped up property taxes by 24% in Bossier Parish. A vocal group mounted a campaign against these measures saying this hefty increase would drive out business and jobs.

In Caddo Parish, voters approved a millage renewal. Only about 12,000 residents showed up to vote, but the measure passed with little trouble.

7,037 or 56% YES

5,422 or 44% NO

Caddo Superintendent Dr. Lamar Goree issued this statement:

Since we first began discussing this millage, it has been centrally focused on the needs of our students from comfortable and safe learning environments to a functioning bus fleet. We thank the voters of Caddo Parish for recognizing that need and allowing our district the opportunity to now get to work in updating and improving schools and buses throughout our parish.

The millage will provide $88 million dollars to pay for heating and air conditioning upgrades throughout the district, fund new buses and provide better security on school campuses.

Caddo Parish School Board President Mary Trammel commented:

I join my fellow Board members in celebrating the positive results of tonight’s election and thanking our voting public for supporting our students, teachers and staff through the approval of this portion of a millage. Tonight’s results come as we continue to increase opportunities for children, and we are excited for the future of this district as strive for excellence.

This millage was due to roll off the books next year.

 

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