LAKE CHARLES, LA (AP) — The Calcasieu Parish School Board has approved a resolution to call a special election on May 2 for a parish-wide half-cent sales tax that would give district employees a raise. Teachers in the district haven't had a pay raise in seven years.
Karl Bruchhaus, district superintendent, tells the American Press if voters approve the 10-year tax, employees would see an increase in pay beginning July 1. He said the tax would bring in nearly $23 million per year which would go toward employees' pay and benefits.
Bruchhaus said because of time constraints, the board needed to approve the resolution Tuesday so the tax could get on the May ballot. He said particulars of the tax and strategies to inform the public would be discussed in February.
