Minimum Foundation Program

Louisiana lawmakers approved a $168 million reduction to the Minimum Foundation Program for the 2026-27 school year to fund teacher and school worker stipends. The decision faced opposition from some school superintendents and followed a temporary restraining order related to the funding program.

A court order has paused Louisiana lawmakers' vote on Governor Jeff Landry's plan to reallocate $168 million from K-12 school operations to fund teacher stipends. The order, issued in response to a lawsuit, prevents the governor's administration and Treasurer John Fleming from shifting funds until a hearing, leading some legislators to withhold votes. Plaintiffs argue Landry is overstepping authority by altering state-approved funding formulas.

Three education advocates sued Gov. Jeff Landry and state officials over a plan to redirect K-12 school funding to teacher stipends, alleging it violates the state constitution. The lawsuit challenges an executive order that would move $168 million from school operations for stipends and criticizes remote voting by lawmakers to approve the plan.

Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order requesting lawmakers to allocate $168 million from K-12 public schools to fund teacher and support staff stipends for the 2026-2027 school year. The plan requires two-thirds legislative approval and aims to prevent pay cuts after a budget shortfall and rejection of a constitutional amendment for salary increases.

Louisiana teachers and school advocates are seeking more details on Gov. Jeff Landry's plan to avoid teacher pay cuts for the 2026-27 school year after a constitutional amendment to fund stipends failed. The legislature approved a budget that removes annual pay stipends for teachers and staff, prompting concerns about funding sources and potential cuts to other school services.

Governor Jeff Landry pledged to avoid a pay cut for Louisiana public school teachers but has not disclosed how to fund the $198 million needed for stipends. Legislators and advocates are seeking clarity on potential funding sources, including a proposed $150 million reallocation from the Minimum Foundation Program, which could risk school district operations.

Gov. Jeff Landry proposes reallocating $150 million from the Minimum Foundation Program, a public school funding formula, to prevent a $2,000 teacher stipend cut. The plan requires an executive order and legislative approval, but the funds would come from non-instructional programs, potentially affecting some non-classroom staff. The Louisiana Federation of Teachers expressed cautious optimism.