$2,000 annual stipends for classroom teachers and $1,000 for support staff will continue and be made permanent, Gov. Jeff Landry and top legislative leaders said Tuesday.
Landry did not say how this year's raises would be funded, saying he will work with lawmakers after they send him the state budget; much of the money would likely come through the Minimum Foundation Program.
The pledge follows voters' rejection this month of a constitutional amendment that would have locked in the raises, with Senate President Cameron Henry saying voters opposed the financing method, not higher educator pay.
A special House-Senate committee is now being formed to craft a permanent funding plan by the end of 2026, while lawmakers are expected to give final budget approval Friday.
After voters rejected one funding plan, how will this task force deliver permanent teacher raises without new taxes?
How might overhauling a 30-year-old formula reshape the future of every classroom and school district in Louisiana?