Board adopts 2026–27 budget and millage rates, renews superintendent contract and approves routine items

The DeSoto Parish School Board voted to approve the district’s 2026–27 operating budget and to adopt millage rates for tax year 2027, approved a superintendent contract renewal, and took several routine administrative actions.

On the budget, staff noted the package reflects the recently negotiated pay raise and includes a one-time $1.5 million transfer from the OPEB trust to help offset general-fund retiree health costs. A presenter told the board the $1.5 million item is a projected transfer to be used in the coming budget year; board members discussed that adjustments could be made later via a budget revision if needed.

The board then voted to adopt millage rates for tax year 2027; staff said there were no changes to most millage rates in the packet and that some capital-project millages declined compared with prior years. Both the budget resolution and millage motion passed on voice votes.

Other approved items included naming the Mansfield Enterprise as the district’s official journal for 2026–27 (the paper was described as the only local publication meeting legal requirements) and a motion to approve authorizing checks. The board also voted to renew the superintendent’s contract after discussion of term length; board remarks during the motion indicated a two-year extension tied to the new board cycle.

Actions recorded in this meeting were carried by voice vote; the transcript records motions and seconds but does not include a roll-call tally.

Next steps: staff will implement the adopted budget and monitor accounts; if financial conditions change staff may return with budget revisions.