School board approves bonus for employees at meeting on Wednesday

Submitted by Elizabeth West on Mon, 05/22/2017 - 22:13

By: ELIZABETH WEST
Managing Editor

Employees across the Evangeline Parish School District can expect to receive a little extra money to start off the summer.
At the Evangeline Parish School Board meeting last Wednesday, Superintendent Darwan Lazard shared that in the past employees who hold a certificate, such as teachers, received a little extra money in their May paycheck. However, with money being tight, last school year the funds were not available to give teachers this small bonus.
During the board’s last meeting though, Lazard shared that this year these funds are available.
He then requested that the board approve paying all certificated employees an additional $214.28 with their May paycheck.
It wasn’t only the certifacated employees however that Lazard requested receive additional money.
All support personnel will be given an addition $96.43 with their May paycheck.
Following this discussion, Lazard addressed a rumor that the district is decreasing the amount of positions it currently has.
Lazard said, “Our goal is to not have to decrease roles in the district, but some of these positions are based on the number of students we have.”
And, according to Lazard, the number of students attending Evangeline Parish Schools has decreased which means the school district is receiving less money from the government than in the past.
For every student attending school in the district, the school board receives $6,100.00.
The superintendent did however say that they would keep employees informed when it comes to this situation.
Lazard said, “As soon as we know anything we are going to let the employees know.
“We have to live within our budget, but we still want to do what’s right by each and everyone of our employees.”
Other items approved at the meeting were:
• Section 504 handbook.
• Low quote from Bob’s Electrical in the amount of $6,890.00 for Ville Platte High School football field whips.
• Low quote from Ville Platte Rental in the amount of $7,840.00 for a mower machine for Mamou Elementary.