Louisiana Task Force Begins Review of Public School Funding Formula

Louisiana leaders are taking a closer look at how the state funds public schools as educators, school officials and lawmakers begin work on a major review of the Minimum Foundation Program, or MFP.

Educators packed a committee room at the Louisiana State Capitol as a new task force gathered for its first meeting to review the MFP Formula. The group is charged with examining the state's school funding system and developing recommendations for a more stable way to fund teacher and support staff pay.

The Governor announced plans for this task force earlier this year.

Teacher Bonuses at Center of Debate

The immediate issue involves bonuses that Louisiana teachers and school support workers have received for the past three years.

Teachers have received $2,000 bonuses, while support staff have gotten $1,000. Those payments were not included in the state's 2026-27 budget after voters rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have provided a permanent funding mechanism.

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Gov. Jeff Landry subsequently issued an executive order directing the state's education system to shift funding within the MFP to help maintain the payments. The move has created concerns for school districts that may have to use reserve funds or redirect money from other needs.

Who Is on this Education Task Force?

• Gerald Boudreaux — Lafayette
• Larry J. Carter Jr. — Baton Rouge
• Christopher K. "Kim" Carver — Mandeville
• Simone B. Champagne — Baton Rouge
• David Claxton — Jonesboro
• Phillip R. DeVillier — Eunice
• Rick Edmonds — Baton Rouge
• Aimee A. Freeman — New Orleans
• Sabrah H. Kingham — Baton Rouge
• Jack G. McFarland — Jonesboro
• Lucius L. "Luke" Morris II — Baton Rouge
• Janet M. Pope — Baton Rouge
• Laurie Schlegel — Metairie
• Jeremy Stine — Lake Charles
• Glen D. Womack — Harrisonburg

This list begs the question. Why is NO ONE from the state's 3rd largest metro, Shreveport - Bossier on the panel. Did local lawmakers turn down spots? Did no one from our community get asked to serve? KEEL News will be asking these questions.

Louisiana has approximately 51,000 public school teachers and 40,000 support staff. State officials have said a permanent solution is needed to provide competitive compensation and improve the state's ability to recruit and retain educators.

Recommendations expected before 2027

The task force is expected to spend the coming months examining the MFP and developing recommendations. Recommendations are due by January 1, 2027.