Louisiana voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have funded permanent teacher pay raises, leaving the future of educator salaries uncertain. Amendment 2 aimed to convert last year’s temporary $2,000 stipends for teachers and $1,000 for support staff into recurring salary increases. Without its passage, these stipends will expire after this school year, potentially lowering pay unless new funding is secured. Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees President Larry Carter says the funding for teachers remains uncertain.
“I think we can all say our eyes will be on the legislature, the governor, the BESE board, and local school board to see what they prioritize when it comes to competitive wages and how we actually retain and recruit the best and brightest to stay in our local school districts.”
Landry warned before the vote that no alternative plan existed, and his administration has not confirmed whether it will support additional stipends. The amendment would have redirected education trust funds to reduce teacher retirement debt, freeing up about $200 million annually for raises. Carter cites its complexity as a reason for its failure.
“I know we didn’t expect to have an amendment that had multiple issues in it to vote on. So, in that case I know there was some clarity that was needed.”
With a budget shortfall and no current funding allocated, securing teacher pay hike remains a challenge. Carter says the Louisiana Federation of Teachers is working with legislators to explore solutions, but funding remains uncertain.
“Our efforts are always the same. We’re trying to be competitive with our neighboring parishes that make up the Southern Regional Districts and try to find out how we can become competitive enough to keep our best and brightest and veteran teachers here in Louisiana.”
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