St. Charles Parish schools superintendent urges voters to approve two millage renewals on May 16

Dr. Ken R. Waguespack, superintendent of St. Charles Parish Public Schools, urged parish voters to approve two property millage renewals on the May 16, 2026 ballot, saying the measures are essential to maintain teacher pay, safety programs, universal pre-K and school facilities.

“This board operates in a fiscally responsible manner,” Waguespack said, summarizing recent district performance and investments and describing how the two renewals fit into the budget. He said the district earned an A performance score in the state, was ranked No. 2 in early literacy, and noted external recognition including Business View magazine and Niche.com rankings.

Waguespack described Proposition 1 as an operations and maintenance millage renewal set at a reduced 39 mills for the next 10 years, a rollback of 4.18 mills from the currently authorized 43.18 mills. He said Proposition 2 would renew a 4.92 mill construction and improvements levy for 10 years. “One mill is basically equal to $1 in tax for every $1,000 of your property’s value,” he added to explain the mechanics to voters.

Using the district’s revenue breakdown, Waguespack said 36% of the operating budget depends on the two renewals. He warned, “If proposition one and two fail, we will lose almost 36% of our operating budget,” and said that loss would make it difficult to sustain current programs and supports.

He outlined specific uses for the funds. The operations and maintenance renewal pays competitive teacher salaries (he stated the district average at $79,274), supports a universal pre-K4 program launching next year, funds school-based mental health professionals, school resource officers and nurses, and underwrites classroom programming that links students to industry certifications and college credit. The construction and improvements renewal, he said, finances safety vestibules, security camera upgrades, classroom modifications for pre-K, maintenance personnel salaries and ongoing facility preservation.

Waguespack acknowledged earlier financial concerns that had been reported to the District Attorney’s Office and the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office and said the district has since implemented stricter protocols for personnel, instruction, compliance and safety. He framed the current renewals as part of a pattern of fiscal stewardship, noting the board has reduced assessed millages over five consecutive years and said that lowering the millage has cost the district nearly $59 million in foregone revenue over time.

He emphasized the local tax base, saying roughly 70% of the operating budget comes from ad valorem and sales tax revenue, with about 90% of property-tax value generated by business and industry and 10% by residents. Waguespack stressed that the district’s investments in career and technical education, one-to-one student technology and renovated CTE spaces are tied to maintaining a workforce pipeline for the parish.

He closed with a direct call to action: register at geauxvote.com and vote on May 16, 2026 (7 a.m.–8 p.m.), noting mail-in and early voting options and offering to present to community groups to explain the measures further.

Next steps: The propositions will appear on the May 16, 2026 ballot; the district will rely on voter approval to maintain the programs and staff described above. If the measures do not pass, Waguespack said the district would face substantial budgetary reductions that could affect staffing and services.