Ouachita School Board Approves Cost Cuts

MONROE, La. (AP) — The Ouachita Parish School Board has approved budget-saving measures recommended by the district's finance committee.

The News-Star reports board members approved extending the length of time between band uniform replacements for each of the district's high schools, making newly hired middle school assistant principals 10 month employees instead of 11 months, and decreasing the contracts of newly hired elementary counselors from 9 1/2 months to 9 months.

The recommendations were approved Monday night during a special board meeting.

The board is also reducing positions in the district by increasing class sizes and not filling vacant or some vacated jobs.

Superintendent Bob Webber said the district hopes to cut personnel costs through attrition and retirement.