St. James Parish School Board approves insurance renewals, millage rates and routine fiscal items
June 11, 2026 | St. James Parish, School Boards, Louisiana
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The St. James Parish School Board on June 9 approved a slate of routine fiscal and personnel measures, including insurance renewals, revised fiscal-year 2026 budgets and a resolution adopting the parish's 2026 millage rates.
Administration asked the board to renew the boiler and machinery insurance policy with a modest premium increase to $18,617 from $16,527, citing a recent large claim on a chiller. "That was about $143,000 that they paid out on that one," Ashley Muntz said while explaining the insurer's prior payout and the policy's loss history. The board approved the renewal by voice vote after a motion and second.
On property and flood insurance — required for Vasher Elementary, the only campus in a flood zone — administration presented three coverage options that differed by wind-limit layers and named-storm deductibles. Administration recommended option one (a 20-million-dollar wind limit and a lower deductible) as the most cost-effective while preserving favorable terms; the board voted to accept option one after discussion.
The board also approved a recommended two-year renewal for excess workers' compensation coverage to lock in current rates. A representative from Risk Services of Louisiana noted payrolls used for the renewal rose to roughly $32.46 million but that the renewal's rate per payroll decreased; the two-year plan was presented as rate certainty for the district and approved.
Committee reports carried several motions into the full board: the finance committee's recommendation to adopt revised FY2026 budgets for the general fund, special revenue funds and capital projects fund was accepted, and the board ratified contract agreements recommended by the committee.
The board approved two certificates of payment: CI Civil and Sports Design Engineering ($34,914.70) for Leer High School drainage improvements phase 2, and Pivotal LLC ($85,727.36) for building renovations. The News Examiner Enterprise was designated the official journal for the 2026–27 school year for required public notices.
In a formally read resolution and roll-call vote, the board adopted the 2026 millage rates unchanged from last year at a total of 44.78 mills; the roll call returned six yays, zero nays and one absent. The superintendent read the resolution aloud and instructed administrative officials to place the levied mills on the 2026 assessment role.
Also approved were updated job descriptions (career and college coach; dean of students), the 2026–27 salary schedule with minor adjustments, and renewal of certificated personnel contracts; motions for each item passed by voice vote.
The board concluded routine business and adjourned for the evening.
Administration asked the board to renew the boiler and machinery insurance policy with a modest premium increase to $18,617 from $16,527, citing a recent large claim on a chiller. "That was about $143,000 that they paid out on that one," Ashley Muntz said while explaining the insurer's prior payout and the policy's loss history. The board approved the renewal by voice vote after a motion and second.
On property and flood insurance — required for Vasher Elementary, the only campus in a flood zone — administration presented three coverage options that differed by wind-limit layers and named-storm deductibles. Administration recommended option one (a 20-million-dollar wind limit and a lower deductible) as the most cost-effective while preserving favorable terms; the board voted to accept option one after discussion.
The board also approved a recommended two-year renewal for excess workers' compensation coverage to lock in current rates. A representative from Risk Services of Louisiana noted payrolls used for the renewal rose to roughly $32.46 million but that the renewal's rate per payroll decreased; the two-year plan was presented as rate certainty for the district and approved.
Committee reports carried several motions into the full board: the finance committee's recommendation to adopt revised FY2026 budgets for the general fund, special revenue funds and capital projects fund was accepted, and the board ratified contract agreements recommended by the committee.
The board approved two certificates of payment: CI Civil and Sports Design Engineering ($34,914.70) for Leer High School drainage improvements phase 2, and Pivotal LLC ($85,727.36) for building renovations. The News Examiner Enterprise was designated the official journal for the 2026–27 school year for required public notices.
In a formally read resolution and roll-call vote, the board adopted the 2026 millage rates unchanged from last year at a total of 44.78 mills; the roll call returned six yays, zero nays and one absent. The superintendent read the resolution aloud and instructed administrative officials to place the levied mills on the 2026 assessment role.
Also approved were updated job descriptions (career and college coach; dean of students), the 2026–27 salary schedule with minor adjustments, and renewal of certificated personnel contracts; motions for each item passed by voice vote.
The board concluded routine business and adjourned for the evening.
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