10/04/2022
So, there seems to be some confusion in what I said about the 1 cent sales tax last night. Let me clarify my position:
1) I will not support a tax that is NOT SPECIFIC to teachers and support staff ONLY. There have been people in the central office, who have received raises without board approval and then the LPSB allowed the raises to stand-save one school board member. So, unless the tax is written and worded specifically for teachers and support staff, excluding central office persons, I will not support it-period.
Furthermore, before I support any tax on this parish, an external audit of the following items must be performed:
Insurance, contracts and maintenance. We must streamline and institute cost savings internally before we reach out for a tax.
2) my personal opinion is if we could get out of state and federal over site, I would pay a 50% tax to give our school system autonomy over what we are teaching our children; no federal, or state funding, allows LP parents, teachers, and voters to deem what is right and appropriate for our kids.
3) I HATE TAXES. However, it is up to the people of this Parish to determine what they are willing to do when it comes to a tax for pay raises, should it come up for a vote. The LPSB cannot institute a tax on anything because that is up to the people. All they can do is put it on a ballot…see items #1 & #2 if you are still confused on my stance.
I want our teachers and support staff to be the highest paid in our area. However, I will not do it by taxation UNTIL we ensure our money is being appropriately apportioned,
waste is brought under control and every single option has been explored.
That is my stance on a tax, so please feel free to reach out to me if you need to.
