Superintendent seeks support for tax renewal

St. Mary Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush on Wednesday sought Parish Council support for renewal of a sales tax that goes to teacher and support staff salaries.
The renewal of the 0.45% sales tax appears on the Oct. 11 ballot. Early voting begins Saturday (see related story.)
Fegenbush said the tax generates an annual $5.1 million and “100% of it is dedicated to salaries and benefits of teachers, certified or not, as well as all our personnel and staff.”
The superintendent said the School Board is a major employer in St Mary, with 1,950 teachers and support personnel on its payroll. She said the tax renewal is crucial to funding salaries, in order for the system to continue its work to grow St Mary Parish, creating results beyond the classroom.
“Without this renewal, we will see a significant shortfall,” she said.
After her pitch, a few parish councilmen had questions.
Councilman David Hill asked why the board placed the measure on a ballot that had no other items.
“We chose October, because if the measure fails, we plan to come before voters again,” Fegenbush said.
Hill also asked her how much the election will cost the parish, and she did not have the answer at the moment and apologized.
If voters pass the tax on Oct 11, it would not have to be renewed again for five years.
The superintendent told the council the board’s state Minimum Foundation Program allocation from the state has dwindled over the years because of enrollment declines.
The MFP is based on a formula that distributes money based on student enrollment.
Fegenbush said that currently, the state funds St. Mary Parish at a rate of $6,900 per student. And that number fluctuates after the state sets enrollment based on the numbers as of Oct. 1 and Feb. 1.
“A yes vote on Oct. 11 shows an investment in our schools, and thus also in our parish,” she said.
Hill asked if any plans exist to consolidate schools.
Councilman Patrick Hebert asked if there are any plans for teacher reductions.
Fegenbush said that St. Mary Parish is still under a federal desegregation order. The government has certain formulas for student to teacher ratios, so there can be no consolidations or staff regulations unless they are approved.
Councilman Rodney Olander asked what happens to any money collected beyond the need for salary enhancements.
In reply to Olander, she said there has been money left on occasions.
At the end of the 2022-23 school year, an additional $1,000 was given to teachers and $600 to support employees. And at the end of the 2023-24 school year, $600 was given to each employee.
The tax has also generated more revenue than initially projected, largely due to state sales taxes being applied to online sales.
“It is truly an honor to serve our community,” Fegenbush said. “Strong schools build strong communities and the future of our parish, because of the opportunities that we provide.”