Allen Parish Schools Approve Pay Boost for Staff

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 funding aims 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. I'm looking forward to presenting to the board this evening a back-to-school allowance, along with our annual holiday-related benefit. We plan to introduce both options and gauge the board's response during the meeting," said APSB Superintendent Brad Soileau.

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 extra funds in September and December, but the board will need to reassess for more financial support during the rest of the academic term.

It's not so much about performing an action as it is about the quantity you contribute," Soileau stated. "We'll meet and review, ideally around November, to assess our current collection levels and maybe 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 act.

Soileau expressed his hope that the parish and Coushatta will reach an agreement and resolve their issues soon.