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LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Pupil-teacher ratios in Lafayette Parish public schools might increase by one, two or three students per classroom as the school system grapples with another year of budget shortfalls.
The Lafayette Parish School Board's finance committee meets Wednesday and Billy Guidry, chief financial officer, says the budget shortfall and increasing student-teacher ratios will be discussed.
Guidry estimates the shortfall for 2015-16 ranges between $18.1 million and $22.5 million — depending upon whether the school board plans to recognize projections for increased tax revenues next year.
Such an increase could save from $4.2 million to $9 million a year, Guidry said Monday.
Guidry tells The Advocate (http://bit.ly/18xqXmF ) the ratio changes were first on the board's agenda in February and it's possible the full board could make a decision on any changes at its next meeting on March 18.
Last week, Guidry told the committee the shortfall could be as high as $22.5 million, though Monday he added that if board members recognize projected increases in property and sales tax revenues, the starting number for the shortfall drops to $18.1 million.
"These are very preliminary numbers and we need to get a feel for what the board is going to be in favor of," Guidry said.
A list of more than 30 suggestions for balancing the budget will be presented to the board. In addition to the student-teacher ratio, other suggestions include: eliminating the annual salary increase for employees, for an estimated $2 million savings; using $3 million from the rainy day fund; shifting $1.5 million in teacher positions from the general fund to a 2002 sales tax fund; and eliminating some positions.
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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com
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