Lafayette Parish, LA (March 27, 2026) – The Lafayette Parish School Board has approved the General Fund portion of the district’s 2026–27 budget, a nearly $360 million plan that includes targeted pay increases for bus drivers and school support personnel.
The vote marks a key step in the district’s phased budget process, with final adoption expected in May and implementation beginning July 1, 2026.
As part of the plan, bus driver salaries will increase to $25,000 annually, making them the highest-paid in the region.
Board President Hannah Smith-Mason said the investment reflects the district’s focus on safety and supporting essential employees.
“They are often the first and last adults our students see each day, and they are responsible for getting them to and from school safely,” Smith-Mason said. “We want to remain competitive and make it clear that their work is valued in Lafayette Parish.”
The Board also approved a $1,500 annual salary increase for several school-based support positions, including clerks, secretaries, bookkeepers, C-Print Captionists, paraeducators, proctors, ISS facilitators, LPNs, and bus attendants.
Board Member Jeremy Hidalgo said the raises recognize the employees who help keep schools running smoothly.
“These employees keep our campuses running, support our teachers, and help create a positive environment for students,” Hidalgo said. “This investment reflects how important they are to our schools.”
The increases build on recent efforts to strengthen employee compensation, including higher starting teacher pay and raises for cafeteria workers.
Together, these steps reflect the district’s commitment to supporting employees while maintaining a balanced, responsible budget for the 2026–27 school year.
in competitive and make it clear that their work is valued in Lafayette Parish.”
The Board also approved a $1,500 annual salary increase for several school-based support positions, including clerks, secretaries, bookkeepers, C-Print Captionists, paraeducators, proctors, ISS facilitators, LPNs, and bus attendants.
Board Member Jeremy Hidalgo said the raises recognize the employees who help keep schools running smoothly.
“These employees keep our campuses running, support our teachers, and help create a positive environment for students,” Hidalgo said. “This investment reflects how important they are to our schools.”
The increases build on recent efforts to strengthen employee compensation, including higher starting teacher pay and raises for cafeteria workers.
Together, these steps reflect the district’s commitment to supporting employees while maintaining a balanced, responsible budget for the 2026–27 school year.
