Rapides Board Approves One-Time Pay Increase

ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) — The Rapides Parish School Board will use about $3.1 million to give all district employees a one-time salary increase.

Any employee hired on or after Oct. 31 and employed through March 30 will receive $750 on Dec. 20. Employees must complete workshops set by the district next semester by March 30.

The board approved the increase with a 4-3 vote at a special meeting on Monday.

Board member Wilton Barrios tells The Town Talk (http://townta.lk/RmIjd3) the $750 was based on advice from District Attorney James Downs, who cautioned the board on setting a salary increase that is above an employee's regular salary.

Officials say the funds for the supplement will come from the district's general operating fund, which started the year with a balance of $4.1 million.