This Saturday’s ballot in Calcasieu Parish features two 10-year tax renewals that affect the parish’s public schools.

A half-cent sales tax renewal up for vote directly affects the operations of the Calcasieu Parish School Board and generates about $34.5 million annually, Superintendent Karl Bruchhaus, said. An approximate 9 mills property tax renewal also directly affects operations and brings in about $22.5 million.

“That’s $57 million in these renewals. Greater than 15 percent of our whole budget for a year. They are a crucial part of us continuing,” he said.

While the term “operational expenses” may be somewhat of a vanilla term, Bruchhaus said 83.5 percent of those expenses support salaries and benefits.

“That’s why we’re trying to create the importance. We’re just trying to encourage people to go out and vote.”

CPSB cannot take an official stance on which way to vote, Bruchhaus said, however the district has promoted a robust marketing campaign through billboards and social media reminding the public of the value of public education.

“Public education is vital no matter what their views. Public education is going to be around,” Bruchhaus reminded.

If Saturday’s renewals do not go through, district leadership will be tasked at looking at each department to determine“how we’re going to come up with $57 million,” he said.

“Then we can also go back to the public for one more chance at a vote.”

For more information on the two renewals visit, https://www.cpsb.org/domain/1987. Election Day is Saturday, Dec. 11.