Calcasieu Parish May 2 Special Election To Raise Teacher Pay

There will be a Special Election on May 2, 2015 in Calcasieu Parish.  The election is for a new 1/2 cent sales tax, that will give our teachers a well deserved raise in pay. KPLC-TV reports this tax would be for teacher salaries and benefits for 10 years, beginning July 1.

Amazingly enough, Calcasieu Parish teachers haven't had a pay raise in at least seven years.  Kirby Smith, School district spokeswoman, wrote in an email to the American Press if approved-

“the payment of salaries of teachers in the public elementary and secondary schools of the Parish and for the expenses of operating said schools, such operating expenses to include payment of salaries of other personnel.”

 

Smith added, “The revenues from the tax contribute to the district’s general fund for exactly that purpose. In any given year, salaries and benefits are approximately 83 percent of our general fund expenditures, therefore, approximately 83 percent of the permanent 1 percent sales tax is spent on salaries and benefits.”

Calcasieu Parish has the fifth-largest school system in the state, but ranks 44 in teacher pay. The American Press reports Smith said, the May 2 special election proposed 10-year, half-cent tax, would increase all district employees’ pay and benefits and lift the district to the top 10 in teacher pay rankings, allowing it to recruit and retain good teachers.

For more details, poll hours and locations, call the Calcasieu Parish Registrar of Voters Office at (337) 721-4000