Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a renewal?

Taxes are generally approved for a specified period of time before going back to the voters for reauthorization. Those reauthorizations are called “renewals” as written on actual ballots for the voters to consider. 

Where does the money go?

Both the ½ cent sales taxes and the 3.50 mill property tax presented for renewal are used for operational expenses in the General Fund, the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s operating account. In addition to over 75% of the property tax renewal being dedicated to salaries and benefits, both of the ½ cent sales tax renewals are dedicated solely to salaries and benefits. 

How does this affect staff and students?

The nearly $83 million per year generated by these three renewable taxes plays a vital role in the operations of the school system and truly reaches into the cost of every employee’s salary and every child’s education. Both of the ½ cent sales taxes and the 3.50 mill property tax presented for renewal are used for operational expenses in the General Fund, the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s operating account. In addition to over 75% of the property tax renewal being dedicated to salaries and benefits, both of the ½ cent sales tax renewals are dedicated only to salaries and benefits. 

What happens if it doesn’t pass?

While our school system has certainly experienced challenges in the last several years with COVID-19 and natural disasters, we have always continued to focus clearly on the most important aspect of education: the relationship between teachers and students. In fact, greater than 75% of our operating budget is spent on salaries and benefits. With another 3.9% spent on maintenance, 1.6% on materials, equipment and textbooks, and 2.4% on transportation, it becomes clear how crucial these tax renewals are to continue to provide our current levels of service.