Caddo School Board unanimously approves employee stipends

SHREVEPORT, La. -- The Caddo Parish School Board on Tuesday unanimously approved a $7 million employee stipend plan, marking its second major investment in employee compensation this summer.

Eligible employees will receive a one-time stipend of at least $1,000, with payments scheduled to be made on or before Aug. 15. Employees on a salary grade with starting pay below $30,000 will receive an additional $500, bringing their total stipend to $1,500.

The stipend approval comes on the heels of the board’s June adoption of a 6% across-the-board pay raise for eligible employees.

"Together, the actions represent a significant commitment to strengthening employee compensation, recognizing the work of the district’s workforce and supporting the recruitment and retention of high-quality employees," the district said in a news release Tuesday. 

The board’s action followed guidance received Tuesday from the state that cleared the way for the district to move forward with the stipend proposal.

“This is another important investment in the people who make the work of Caddo Schools possible,” Superintendent Keith Burton said. “With the 6% pay raise approved in June and now this stipend, the Board has demonstrated a clear commitment to recognizing employees and strengthening our ability to recruit and retain outstanding people. Our employees have remained focused on students while patiently waiting for the district to receive the guidance necessary to move forward, and we are pleased these funds will reach them as soon as possible.”

The stipends will be provided to employees who are employed by Caddo Schools and eligible for benefits as of Aug. 6. Employees who retired after completing their required 2025-26 contract days will also be eligible.

District 11 Board Member Jessica Yeates proposed the stipend to recognize employees for their service and contributions.

“The success of this district begins with the people who show up every day for our students,” Yeates said. “After approving a 6% pay raise in June, this stipend allows us to build on that commitment and provide another meaningful investment in our staff.”

The estimated $7 million cost will be paid from the district’s anticipated 2025-26 surplus.