MONROE, La. (AP) — The finance committee of the Ouachita Parish School Board will recommend the board reinstate a $75 classroom supply allowance for teachers, despite the $98,000 cost to the district.

The News-Star reports the supply allowance was one of many items that were cut or suspended to allow the board to balance its budget.

Board president Jerry Hicks said he believes the additional $2 million in Minimum Foundation program funding the district will receive as a result adding 245 students to the district's rolls should make the expenditure possible.

The board cut more than $9 million from its budget by eliminating positions through attrition and retirement, shortening the school year while lengthening the instructional day.

The board will reconsider the $75 allowance at its Oct. 11 meeting.

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