Livingston Parish Public Schools Minutes

Budget/Goals Committee - 8/3/2026 - Budget/Goals Committee

7/30/2026

The Budget/Goals Committee meeting of the Livingston Parish School Board will be held at the School Board Office, 13909 Florida Blvd., Livingston, Louisiana, on MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026, at FOUR O’CLOCK PM for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may also be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/@lppsboardmeetings5531/streams

Attendees - voting members

Mr. Robert Seals Jr.		District 2
Mr. Stephen Link		District 9, President

Attendees - other

Mr. Brad Sharp		District 1
Ms. Katelyn Cockerham		District 7
Dr. Ronald McMorris		District 8

Call to Order
The Budget/Goals Committee meeting was called to order. Dr. McMorris announced that Committee Chair Mr. Cox was absent and that, as an ex officio member, he would serve as Chair in an ad hoc capacity. Dr. McMorris also announced that Ms. Cockerham would serve in an ad hoc capacity in place of Mr. Frizell.
Discussion and action in response to Governor Landry's Executive Order 26-047 pertaining to MFP / employee stipends
The committee discussed the impact of Governor Landry’s Executive Order 26-047, which redirects approximately $6.4 million in Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funds to provide one-time stipends of $2,000 for eligible certificated staff and $1,000 for eligible support staff. Administration recommended extending the stipend to all employees, increasing the total cost to approximately $7.7 million, recognizing that all employees contribute to the operation of the school system.

To avoid placing excessive strain on the General Fund and reducing reserves near the required 10% minimum, administration recommended using a braided funding approach, combining General Fund and district funds to pay the stipends. This strategy would preserve financial stability while keeping open the possibility of providing an additional spring stipend, depending on enrollment, revenues, and expenditures.

The committee reviewed projected fund balances and reserve requirements and discussed two funding options: a $5 million District Funds contribution or a $6 million District Funds contribution, with the remaining amount covered by General Fund. Following discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to approve the $5 million District Funds option. The stipends will follow previous state stipend guidelines, with a target payment date of October 7, 2026.

Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Ms. Katelyn Cockerham
Voting results:Unanimously approved
- The recommendation will be presented to the full Board for consideration.
Discussion and action regarding School Cash online convenience fee
Ms. Aime, Business Manager, reviewed the history of School Cash Online convenience fees, noting that the School Board has absorbed the fees since the program's implementation in 2018 to encourage online payments and reduce cash handling at schools. She stated that the cost of the fees has more than doubled, with the General Fund absorbing approximately $300,000 during the last fiscal year. As part of the review of General Fund expenditures, administration recommended shifting the convenience fee to consumers while continuing to allow parents to pay by cash or check at the school without incurring a fee.

Superintendent Purvis explained that implementation would require coordination with the company and would likely occur once the transition can be completed, either during the school year or at the beginning of the next school year.

In response to a question, Ms. Aime explained that the convenience fee is 10 cents per item purchased plus 4% of the total transaction amount.

Following discussion, Ms. Aime recommended that the Committee authorize the Business Department to pass the School Cash Online convenience fee on to the consumer once the transition can be implemented.

Motion was made and duly seconded to adopt the recommendation.

Motion made by: Ms. Katelyn Cockerham
Motion seconded by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Voting results:Unanimously approved
The recommendation will be presented to the full Board for consideration.
Adjourn
Motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn the committee meeting.

Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Voting results: Unanimously approved

There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 4:33 pm.

Budget/Goals Committee - 6/10/2026 - Budget/Goals Committee

6/8/2026

The Budget/Goals Committee meeting of the Livingston Parish School Board will be held at the School Board Office, 13909 Florida Blvd., Livingston, Louisiana, on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ATHLETIC MEDICAL STAFF COMMITTEE MEETING for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may also be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/@lppsboardmeetings5531/streams

Attendees - voting members

Mr. Jeffery Cox		District 6
Mr. Robert Seals Jr.		District 2
Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell		District 3, Vice-President
Mr. Stephen Link		District 9, President

Attendees - other

Mr. Brad Sharp		District 1
Dr. Ronald McMorris		District 8

Call to Order
The Budget/Goals Committee meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Cox at 4:19 pm.
Discussion and action on the Final Budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year

Assistant Business Manager Ashley Aime distributed and presented the final budgets for the 2025–2026 fiscal year and responded to questions from the committee regarding the following funds: General Fund, Second Sales Tax Fund, 7-Mill Maintenance Fund, Sinking Fund, Construction Fund, School Food Service Fund, Disaster Funds, Federal Funds, and State Funds.

Following the discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to adopt the final budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year as presented.

Motion made by: Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell
Motion seconded by: Mr. Stephen Link
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjourn
Motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn the committee meeting.

Motion made by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Motion seconded by: Mr. Stephen Link
Voting
Unanimously Approved

Budget/Goals Committee - 4/21/2026 - Budget/Goals Committee

4/17/2026

The Budget/Goals Committee meeting of the Livingston Parish School Board will be held at the School Board Office, 13909 Florida Blvd., Livingston, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026, at FOUR O’CLOCK PM for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may also be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/@lppsboardmeetings5531/streams

Attendees - voting members

Mr. Jeffery Cox		District 6
Mr. Robert Seals Jr.		District 2
Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell		District 3, Vice-President
Mr. Stephen Link		District 9, President

Attendees - other

Mr. Cecil Harris		District 5
Mr. Jody Purvis		Superintendent
Mr. Bruce Chaffin		Assistant Superintendent
Tracy McRae		Assistant Superintendent

Call to Order
The Budget/Goals Committee meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Cox.
Report on Audit of General-Purpose Financial Statements for the Livingston Parish School Board for the year ended June 30, 2025
Members of the committee and the board received a copy of the Report on Audit of General-Purpose Financial Statements for the Livingston Parish School Board for the year ended June 30, 2025. Tiffani Dorsa of EisnerAmper LLP presented a summary of the reports and answered questions posed by the committee.
- The audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements.
- No findings were reported in internal control, compliance, or federal program audits.
- Three federal programs were audited with no compliance issues identified.
- Statewide agreed-upon procedures reported no exceptions.
- BESE procedures noted two minor exceptions:
  - One roll book discrepancy
  - One PEP data reporting issue
- A Management Letter recommended:
  - Improved IT procedures documentation
  - Better documentation of SOC 1 report reviews
- The audit was conducted in accordance with professional standards, and auditors confirmed full independence.
- No significant unusual transactions or controversial accounting practices were identified.
- Financial statements include significant estimates (pensions, OPEB, etc.), which were found to be reasonable and properly disclosed.
- Overall financial reporting is accurate, compliant, and in good standing.
After discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to accept the Report on Audit of General-Purpose Financial Statements for the Livingston Parish School Board for the year ended June 30, 2025.
Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Consideration of the findings from the Lean Frog Transportation review
LEAN Frog Business Solutions, Inc. Mr. Byron W. Headrick, President/Co-Founder, presented the findings from the Lean Frog Transportation review.
- Route Optimization Review Completed: LEAN Frog Business Solutions analyzed 1,048 routes; all recommendations meet safety, capacity, and ride-time constraints.
- Cost Savings Identified: 7 buses can be eliminated with no service disruption, saving approximately $288,400 annually.
- Safety Issues Addressed: 9 current route capacity overloads identified with verified solutions; recommended for immediate correction.
- Staffing Risk & Recommendation: 27 drivers eligible to retire (11%); propose creating a Coordinator of Safety, Training, and Retention role (no new headcount) to manage recruiting and retention.
Motion was made and duly seconded to accept the findings as presented by the lean Frog Transportation review.
Motion made by: Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell
Motion seconded by: Mr. Stephen Link
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Discussion and action on results from the Lean Frog Transportation review
Motion was made and duly seconded to grant authority to implement the Lean Frog recommendations as applicable.
Motion made by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Motion seconded by: Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjourn
Motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn the committee meeting.
Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell
Voting
Unanimously Approved

Budget/Goals Committee - 3/3/2026 - Budget/Goals Committee

2/27/2026

The Budget/Goals Committee meeting of the Livingston Parish School Board will be held at the School Board Office, 13909 Florida Blvd., Livingston, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, immediately following the Curriculum/Policy for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may also be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/@lppsboardmeetings5531/streams

Attendees - voting members

Mr. Jeffery Cox		District 6
Mr. Cecil Harris		District 5
Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell		District 3, Vice-President
Mr. Stephen Link		District 9, President

Attendees - other

Mr. Jody Purvis		Superintendent
Mr. Bruce Chaffin		Assistant Superintendent
Tracy McRae		Assistant Superintendent

Call to Order
The Budget/Goals Committee meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Cox at 4:11 pm.

Cecil Harris, an Ex-Officio Member of the Committee, has been appointed to serve in an ad hoc capacity in place of absent committee member, Robert Seals.
Discussion and action for 2026 Budget Revision
Business Manager Ashley Aime distributed, presented, and answered questions on the 2026 budget revision as follows:
- General Fund
- Second Sales Tax Fund
- 7-Mill Maintenance Fund 2
- Sinking Fund
- Construction Fund
- School Food Services Fund
- Disaster Fund
- Federal Funds
- State Funds
After discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to accept the budget revision as presented.
Motion made by: Mr. William "Jeff" Frizell
Motion seconded by: Mr. Cecil Harris
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjourn
Motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn the meeting.
Motion made by: Mr. Cecil Harris
Motion seconded by: Mr. Stephen Link
Voting
Unanimously Approved

Budget/Goals Committee - 11/3/2025 - Budget/Goals Committee

10/31/2025

The Budget/Goals Committee meeting of the Livingston Parish School Board will be held at the School Board Office, 13909 Florida Blvd., Livingston, Louisiana, on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CURRICULUM/POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may also be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/@lppsboardmeetings5531/streams

Attendees - voting members

Mr. Jeffery Cox		District 6
Mr. Robert Seals Jr.		District 2
Mr. Stephen Link		District 9, President

Attendees - other

Mr. Cecil Harris		District 5
Mr. Brad Sharp		District 1
Mr. Bradley Harris		District 4
Ms. Katelyn Cockerham		District 7
Dr. Ronald McMorris		District 8
Mr. Jody Purvis		Superintendent
Mr. Bruce Chaffin		Assistant Superintendent
Tracy McRae		Assistant Superintendent

Call to Order
The Budget/Goals Committee meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Cox at 4:12 pm, immediately following the Curriculum/Policy Committee meeting.
Discussion and action on Local Spring Stipend for all Employees
Business Manager, Ashley Aime presented scenarios for an employee stipend to be paid from local funds in the Spring of 2026. The proposed stipend would be funded using restricted reserve of sales tax funds that are rolled over from the 2024-2025 fiscal year with the remaining coming from undesignated surplus.
After discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to set the stipend amount at $750.00 for classified employees and the $1,500.00 stipend for certified employees.
Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjourn
Motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn the committee meeting.
Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Voting
Unanimously Approved

Budget/Goals Committee - 9/30/2025 - Budget/Goals Committee

9/26/2025

The Budget/Goals Committee meeting of the Livingston Parish School Board will be held at the School Board Office, 13909 Florida Blvd., Livingston, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CURRICULUM/POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may also be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/@lppsboardmeetings5531/streams

Attendees - voting members

Mr. Jeffery Cox		District 6
Mr. Robert Seals Jr.		District 2
Mr. William 'Jeff' Frizell		District 3, Vice-President
Mr. Stephen Link		District 9, President

Attendees - other

Mr. Cecil Harris		District 5
Ms. Katelyn Cockerham		District 7
Mr. Jody Purvis		Superintendent
Mr. Bruce Chaffin		Assistant Superintendent
Tracy McRae		Assistant Superintendent

Call to Order
The Budget/Goals Committee meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Cox at 4:25 pm, immediately following the Curriculum/Policy Committee meeting.
Discussion and Action on the Teacher Effectiveness Stipends and Differentiated Compensation Stipend Plan
Business Manager Ashley Aime first presented the 2025-2026 Teacher Effectiveness Stipend information.
- In 2013, the board began paying annual teacher effectiveness stipends. From 2013 to 2023, those amounts were $100 to Effective Emerging teachers, $200 to Effective Proficient teachers, and $300 to Highly Effective teachers.
- In 2023/2024, the board chose to increase the amount for these stipends from $100 to $200 for Effective Emerging teachers, from $200 to $300 for Effective Proficient teachers, and from $300 to $600 for Highly Effective teachers.
- The total cost of the Teacher Effectiveness stipends for 2024/2025 was $1,109,861, with Livingston Parish Public Schools being responsible for $638,432, and the remainder was paid with differentiated compensation funds. I estimate the cost for 2025/2026 to remain about the same — $471,429 charged to differentiated compensation and $638,432 for Livingston Parish Public Schools.
After discussion, Ms. Aime presented the 2025-2026 Differentiated Compensation Stipend information. The state of Louisiana allocated Livingston Parish Public Schools $637,156, a decrease of $1,055 from the previous year. The allotment was released to Livingston Parish Public Schools on September 12, 2025. The allotment is intended to provide funding to assist with addressing unique market needs in the areas of recruitment and retention of teachers. The state has approved four categories that these funds can be spent on.
1. Stipends for teachers in critical shortage area as determined by BESE;
2. Stipends for highly effective teacher;
3. Stipends for teacher in schools with an Economically Disadvantaged rate of 85% or higher;
4. Stipends for teacher leadership positions.
LPPS plans to distribute these funds in a combination of areas.
1. $300 stipend for highly effective teachers
2. Instructional coaches who are not already receiving a stipend from the district will receive a $1,500 stipend.
3. District Literacy and Numeracy coaches, academic interventionists, and CLSD mentors will receive a $2,500 stipend.
4. Schools will receive funds to pay stipends to teachers who provide school leadership to other teachers at their schools.
  - Schools with less than 20 teachers will receive 1–$1,000 stipends.
  - Schools with 20–39 teachers will receive 3–$1,000 stipends.
  - Schools with 40–60 teachers will receive 4–$1,000 stipends.
  - Schools with more than 60 teachers will receive 5–$1,000 stipends.
The total cost to implement this plan will be $782,357. Livingston Parish Public Schools received allocations in previous years and have remaining funds of $309,286.

If any funds remain after 2025/2026, they will be used in the 2026/2027 school year for highly effective teacher stipends and for teacher leadership stipends as funds allow.

Livingston Parish Public Schools plans to distribute these funds to highly effective teachers in the form of an Effectiveness Stipend in the Spring Semester of 2025/2026. The leadership stipends will also be issued in the Spring Semester of 2025/2026.

After discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to accept the Teacher Effectiveness Stipends and Differentiated Compensation Stipend Plan.
Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Mr. William 'Jeff' Frizell
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Discussion and action on January 1, 2026, Office of Group Benefits (OGB) employee rate increase
Business Manager Ashley Aime stated that once again, we are faced with increasing health insurance premiums. This year’s premium increase is 7.7%. Since 2023, when the board began absorbing the employee health insurance premium increases, the premiums have risen by approximately 25% and have cost the board an additional $4.1 million dollars.
In 2023 – the board absorbed a 4.5% increase at an annual cost of $550,000.
In 2024 – the board absorbed a 6.15% increase at an annual cost of $1.3 million.
In 2025 – the board absorbed a 6.6% increase at an annual cost of $2.2 million.

Option 1 — would be a 5% premium increase above the current employee rates. This would increase the cost to the district by $487,000 for a total annual cost of $2.7 million.
- For example, with the 5% increase, an employee on Magnolia Local Plus, our most popular plan with employee-only coverage, would see a monthly premium increase of $9.82, employee and spouse $31.90, employee and children $14.14, and family $34.18.
Option 2 — would be a 7% premium increase above the current employee rates. This would increase the cost to the district by $243,000 for a total annual cost of $2.5 million.
- For example, with the 7% increase, an employee on Magnolia Local Plus, our most popular plan with employee-only coverage, would see a monthly premium increase of $13.75, employee and spouse $44.66, employee and children $19.79, and family $47.85.
After discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to increase current premiums by 5%, effective January 1, 2026. This would increase the cost for the district by $487,000 for a total annual cost of $2.7 million.
Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Mr. William 'Jeff' Frizell
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjourn
Motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn the committee meeting.
Motion made by: Mr. William 'Jeff' Frizell
Motion seconded by: Mr. Stephen Link
Voting
Unanimously Approved

Budget/Goals Committee - 9/16/2025 - Budget/Goals Committee

9/12/2025

The Budget/Goals Committee meeting of the Livingston Parish School Board will be held at the School Board Office, 13909 Florida Blvd., Livingston, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, at FOUR O’CLOCK PM for the following purposes and to take whatever actions necessary. The meeting may also be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/@lppsboardmeetings5531/streams

Attendees - voting members

Mr. Jeffery Cox		District 6
Mr. Robert Seals Jr.		District 2
Mr. Stephen Link		District 9, President

Attendees - other

Mr. Jody Purvis		Superintendent
Mr. Bruce Chaffin		Assistant Superintendent
Tracy McRae		Assistant Superintendent

Call to Order
The Budget/Goals Committee meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Cox.
Discussion and action on renewal quotes for Property & Casualty Insurance expiring October 1, 2025
Norris Insurance Consultant Carmel Breaux introduced the renewal quotes for Property & Casualty Insurance expiring October 1, 2025. Recommendations were made for the following:
- General Liability, including Automobile Liability, Auto Physical Damage, and Board Errors & Omissions Liability: Carrier is Old Republic. The annual premium is $741,290.
- Machinery Breakdown: Carrier is Liberty Mutual. The annual premium is $37,308.
- Building & Contents
  - 1st Layer total cost = $1,965,614
  - 2nd Layer total cost = $553,985
    - Sub Total = $2,519,599
- Liability, B&M, and Building & Contents — Total Package = $3,298,197
After discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to accept the recommendation on renewal quotes but will reject the terrorism coverage for Property & Casualty Insurance expiring October 1, 2025.
Motion made by: Mr. Stephen Link
Motion seconded by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Discussion and action on renewal quotes for Cyber Insurance expiring October 31, 2025
Norris Insurance Consultant, Ms. Carmel Breaux, presented a renewal quote proposal for Cyber Insurance expiring October 31, 2025.
The agent is Erdey Agency. Annual premium of $66,513.

After discussion, a motion was made and duly seconded to accept the recommendation on renewal quotes for Cyber Insurance expiring October 31, 2025, as presented.
Motion made by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Motion seconded by: Mr. Stephen Link
Voting
Unanimously Approved
Adjourn
Motion was made and duly seconded to adjourn the meeting.
Motion made by: Mr. Robert Seals Jr.
Motion seconded by: Mr. Stephen Link
Voting
Unanimously Approved