Allen Parish School Board approves salary supplement for employees

ALLEN PARISH, La. (KPLC) - As the new school year draws near, the Allen Parish School Board convened a special session to approve an additional payment for employees. This supplementary funds aim to assist staff in covering increasing expenses related to classroom supplies and other necessary items for the upcoming term.

Since the school board no longer gets additional financial support From the Coushatta Casino, they have needed to find alternative methods to offer that.

We reviewed our sales tax policies and initiatives we can implement for our staff," said APSB Superintendent Brad Soileau. "I'm looking forward to presenting the board with a back-to-school allowance, along with our annual holiday bonus. We plan to introduce both proposals and gauge the board's response this evening.

The board approved, without opposition, the use of funds from the Sales Tax Salary Enhancement Fund and the General Fund during today's gathering.

We've had great success with our sales tax and collection efforts; we've managed to maintain a surplus in our general fund over the past few years despite our expenses," Soileau stated. "We've been lucky, thanks to many individuals working diligently and ensuring everything is handled properly.

Staff members will get an additional payment in September and December, but the board will need to reassess for further financial support during the rest of the academic term.

It's not really about performing an action, it's more about the quantities you contribute," Soileau stated. "We will meet and review, ideally around November, to assess our current collection levels and potentially take some steps in January or February. Right now, we're focusing only on the initial phase, but the aim is for us to be able to proceed.

Soileau expressed hope that the parish and Coushatta will be able to reach an agreement and resolve matters soon.