Jefferson Parish to vote on property tax proposal to address teacher shortage, boost salaries
By Sabrina Wilson
Source: FOX 8
December 6, 2024
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE)—Jefferson Parish voters will decide on Saturday (Dec. 6) on a proposed property tax increase to boost pay for public school teachers and staff in the parish.
Superintendent James Gray said Jefferson Parish, home to Louisiana’s largest public school district with 48,000 students, is grappling with a significant teacher shortage—Jefferson Parish voters will decide on Saturday, Dec. 6, on a proposed property tax increase to boost.
“We have 3,000 kids every day this year that don’t have a teacher in the classroom. We have substitutes, and substitutes do a great job for us, but at the same time, we want to make sure that we have teachers in our classrooms on a day-to-day basis,” Gray said.
The ballot measure would implement a 10.89-mill property tax starting in 2025, generating $45 million annually for the next decade. Teacher salaries would increase by $8,300 a year, while non-certified staff would see a $4,900 boost, and other personnel would receive an additional $2,000 annually.
Despite the proposed benefits, some residents oppose the tax increase.
“No way,” said one woman as she pumped gas into her car. “They’re selling all these schools they’re knocking down—use that money instead.”
Others support the measure. “I guess I would vote yes,” said another Jefferson Parish resident.
Gray emphasized that the district needs higher salaries to stay competitive and address retention issues.
“We want to balance the scale so we can be competitive and keep people from leaving us strictly for pay,” he said.
“We supported it because we felt it would help stabilize teacher recruitment and retention, and research shows that helps student achievement and outcomes,” said Rebecca Mowbray, BGR’s president and CEO.
Mowbray explained that BGR evaluates ballot propositions using a standardized framework, asking questions such as whether there is a need for the measure, if a tax is the best solution, and whether past financial stewardship has been sound.
“In this case, it was a resounding yes on all of those,” Mowbray said.
Gray acknowledged the financial strain many homeowners face, including rising insurance costs, but said the increase would be modest.
“For a homeowner whose home is valued at about $250,000 with homestead exemption, it’ll roughly cost them about $15.88 a month,” he said.
Still, some residents said even a small increase is unaffordable.
“I pay a lot of property tax. I’m a widow, and I can’t afford that,” said one resident.
Gray stressed the urgency of addressing the teacher shortage.
“We just got our state scores back—we’re now a ‘B’ district. We’re really excited about that, and we’ve achieved this despite the shortages. But eventually, you hit a point of diminishing returns. We want to address this now so we don’t face bigger issues in the next five to 10 years,” he said.
Mowbray noted that the school system has tried using proceeds from school closures and fundraisers but hasn’t been able to achieve sustainable funding.
“They are losing a lot of teachers each year,” she said, adding that BGR’s report on the proposal has been translated into Spanish to reach more voters.
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court’s Office estimates voter turnout on Saturday will be between 5% and 10%.
For more information, read the full BGR report: BGR Report on Jefferson Public School Tax. Superintendent James Gray said Jefferson Parish, home to Louisiana’s largest public school district with 48,000 students, is grappling with a significant teacher shortage
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