APSB Budget Committee Meeting 5.19.26

The Ascension Public Schools Budget Committee met on May 19, 2026, to review and amend the 2025-26 and 2026-27 salary schedules and budgets. Key procurement-related discussions included proposed salary increases for certified and non-certified staff, including substitutes and paraprofessionals, with specific daily and hourly rates mentioned. The committee reviewed the general fund budget, noting a total revenue projection of approximately $359 million and expenditures of about $355 million for 2026-27, including allocations for step increases, instructional staff, maintenance, transportation, IT software, and retiree insurance. The meeting also covered budget amendments for the current year, healthcare fund projections, debt service, special revenue funds, and capital construction projects funded by bonds. Additionally, the committee discussed evaluating stipends for extracurricular activities and athletic coaches, considering a potential 2-3% increase, with plans to incorporate these adjustments into the salary schedule for board approval. Public comments raised concerns about security expenditures, including spending on surveillance and weapons detection systems. No formal votes were recorded during this meeting, but action items were identified for further budget refinement and stipend evaluations before the final budget approval scheduled for June 23, 2026.