Louisiana School Board Asks Lawmakers for Larger K-12 Boost

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana’s top school board is sending state lawmakers a nearly $4 billion public school financing proposal that would double the spending increase sought by Gov. John Bel Edwards.

The K-12 school funding formula that received final passage Wednesday from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education would boost spending more than $80 million next school year. It serves as the starting point for negotiations with the Legislature. The proposal would give $40 million more to school districts for discretionary use. The other $40 million would cover raises of $400 for teachers and $200 for support staff.

Edwards recommended only the $40 million for pay raises.

(Story written By MELINDA DESLATTE/AP)