Ouachita Parish School Board Finance Committee Meeting Live Stream - August 13, 2026

The Ouachita Parish School Board Finance Committee met on August 13, 2026, to review and approve key financial matters for the upcoming fiscal year. The committee considered and approved the annual operating budget for 2026-2027, which included discussions on projected student enrollment declines impacting funding, conservative budgeting practices, and efforts to maintain a healthy fund balance to support bond ratings. They also addressed employee stipends mandated by a governor's executive order, deciding to distribute $2,000 to certificated staff and $1,000 to support staff as stipends split into two payments during the school year, with the possibility of making these permanent depending on future state funding decisions. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved salary schedules for the fiscal year, discussed financial reports including sales tax revenue increases, and examined cash and investment positions, noting increased work compensation claims and ongoing efforts to manage insurance and risk. The committee emphasized prudent financial management to maintain bond ratings and support district operations amid funding uncertainties.