OPSO Opposes Landry’s Order to Redirect School Funding
By Danielle Coston
The New Orleans Tribune
The Orleans Parish School Board voted Wednesday to formally oppose Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive order seeking to redirect millions of dollars from Louisiana’s public school funding formula, arguing the proposal would undermine resources needed to educate students.
During a special business meeting June 17, the board unanimously adopted Resolution 15-26 opposing Executive Order JML 26-047 and urging the preservation of Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funding for public schools.
The resolution comes amid growing concern among school systems across Louisiana over the governor’s plan to shift approximately $168 million from the MFP — the state’s primary public school funding mechanism — to continue teacher and support staff stipends for the 2026-27 school year. The proposal would provide $2,000 stipends for classroom teachers and $1,000 stipends for support personnel.
Landry announced the plan after lawmakers failed to secure a permanent funding source for educator pay increases during the recent legislative session. Under the executive order, money would be redirected from portions of the MFP that support transportation, school operations, facilities, food services, administration and other non-instructional expenses. The proposal requires approval from two-thirds of both the Louisiana House and Senate before taking effect.
In its resolution, the Orleans Parish School Board expressed concern that reducing MFP allocations could negatively impact school operations and services that students rely upon daily. Board members argued that while educator compensation remains a critical priority, the state should not force local school systems to absorb funding reductions to cover those costs.
Education leaders across Louisiana have raised similar concerns, warning that cuts to MFP funding could lead to layoffs, reductions in services, or increased financial strain on school districts already facing rising costs. Several superintendents have argued that resources designated for student services and school operations should not be diverted without a long-term funding solution.
The MFP provides more than $4 billion annually to Louisiana public schools and serves as the primary formula for distributing state education funding. School officials contend that maintaining the integrity of the formula is essential to ensuring stable and equitable funding for students across the state.
With its vote, the Orleans Parish School Board joined a growing number of education advocates calling on state leaders to preserve MFP funding while pursuing alternative solutions for teacher compensation.