Cooper Refuses To Advertise Lafayette School Board’s Budget

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — The Lafayette Parish School Board says it has a proposed budget ready to present to the public.

Superintendent Pat Cooper says he won't start that process because the board's proposals violate state and federal laws.

The Advertiser reports they have one month to get it figured out before a state-mandated Sept. 15 deadline.

Board member Rae Trahan started off Thursday's budget meeting by noting that the board approved a preliminary version of the district's 2014-15 budget July 31. Trahan essentially asked why that document hadn't been advertised.

Cooper said he couldn't approve the budget.

He cited a state law that says much of the budget authority rests with the superintendent.

The budget includes nearly $20 million in cuts, including the elimination of dozens of personnel slots, including teachers.

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