Bonus for teachers

One-time supplement OK’d despite backlash

<div class="Content"><p class="indent">Calcasieu Parish School Board members unanimously approved Tuesday a one-time supplement of $3,000 for teachers and $2,100 for support staff, despite some residents questioning the funding source and the amount being spent.</p><p class="indent">The bonus, which will appear on November’s paycheck, comes from a school board fund that allocates specific sales tax revenue for employee salaries and benefits. Of the $28 million currently in the fund, $17 million will be used for the one-time supplement, according to Karl Bruchhaus, CPSB superintendent.</p><p class="indent">Eric Tarver, District 8 board member, cautioned the audience of “false and misleading” information, which suggested the board misappropriated funds, or “harsh and abrasive” critics who urged the board “drain the account.”</p><p class="indent">The board agreed to set aside part of the money in the fund after hearing that the district could face sharp Minimum Foundation Program reductions from the state department in the next school year, Tarver said. Bruchhaus said recent projections show a cut of $11 million in state funds.</p><p class="indent">Bruchhaus mentioned that sales taxes have declined significantly over the course of the year. Billy Breaux, District 13 board member, said there is no guarantee that the funding source will always yield such a surplus.</p><p class="indent">“It’s easy to be Santa Claus when the economy’s booming, but we want to create a stable salary for an extended period of time,” Breaux said.</p><p class="indent">District 2 Board member Fred Hardy supported the supplement, but said the board should be clearer in defining such matters.</p><p class="indent">“If our own employees have trouble trusting what we’re doing, what’s the general public going to think,” he asked.</p></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold;">Eric Tarver, District 8 board member, cautioned the audience of ‘false and misleading, information, which suggested the board misappropriated funds.</span>

””<p>Calcasieu Parish School Board</p>

SportsPlus

McNeese Sports

Marlin fired by ULL

McNeese Sports

A quick trip home

Local News

City Council gives green light to lakefront hotel plan

Crime

12/19: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Washington-Marion student arrested for terrorizing, charged as an adult

Local News

Governor selects Stine, Tarver for new Fiscal Responsibility Program

high-school Football

Press box project for Jerry Simmons Stadium move forward

Local News

National defense budget could allocate millions to Louisiana military bases

Face to Face

Second Harvest hosts drive-thru Christmas dinner distribution

Business

It’s not just about money: The Five T’s of Philanthropy

Face to Face

Carols under the Oak: Lake Charles Symphony unites with Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Face to Face

Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US

Crime

12/18: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Westlake fire chief describes training with ‘cutting edge’ technology

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: A new low for bowl opt-outs

Business

Scott Walker named new president, CEO of Chamber SWLA

Business

Hotel owner questions lakefront hotel development plans

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Is insurance our No. 1 problem?

Face to Face

10 local charities reap benefits of Coats for Kids drive

Crime

Sentence stands for man who crashed into 18-wheeler while impaired, killing 3-year-old

Crime

12/17: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Top Russian general is killed in a Moscow bombing claimed by Ukraine

life

Wreaths placed on hundreds of graves at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

Local News

Children do the Christmas shopping at Family Matters event