The local school board officially passed its June 9 agenda items, revealing a surprisingly robust local economy, launching a major expansion into natural gas leasing, and pushing forward with extensive summer infrastructure updates.
Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi briefed the board on a critical legislative update. The governor is attempting to reallocate $160 million out of the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP)—the state’s primary funding block for public school districts—to explicitly earmark it for teacher and support staff raises.
While pay raises are welcomed, the Superintendent voiced significant concerns regarding the loss of local financial flexibility. Furthermore, the governor’s proposal slashes roughly $30 million from administrative stipends, explicitly targeting school principals. Because the legislature is out of session, lawmakers will vote on this measure via mail, requiring a supermajority.
“Our principals work just as hard as our teachers, and I’m not going to determine who’s worth more,” the Superintendent stated, noting that the outcome will heavily impact the upcoming local district budget.
The finance department presented the April 2026 sales tax report, which featured a surprising 14.2% increase in collections compared to the same month last year. Officials noted this surge may be an early indicator of heightened oil and gas activity entering the parish economy. Cumulatively, the district has collected just under 85% of its budgeted sales tax revenue for the year, putting it slightly ahead of schedule with two months of collections remaining.
In food services, the district reported a banner year after moving to the full Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), allowing them to claim federal reimbursements at a higher rate. The district served just shy of 800,000 meals this school year, feeding an average of 70% of students for lunch and 40% for breakfast, generating over $3 million in federal claims. The department announced it is actively hiring full-time positions across city and rural campuses this summer. Board members praised the department, jokingly thanking them for “running the largest restaurant in Natchitoches Parish.”
The biggest economic development of the night came from legal counsel, who announced that “oil and gas has finally arrived in Natchitoches Parish,” signaling a massive revenue windfall for local school children.
The board discussed the current status of natural gas leasing on 640 district acres. The district is coordinating an official bid process through the State Mineral Board in Baton Rouge to drive up competitive lease terms. A legacy lignite lease on nearly 200 acres at the intersection of DeSoto and Red River parishes has officially expired, opening up highly valuable, untouched land for natural gas exploration. The district aims to secure upfront lease payments of $1,500+ per acre and a premium 25% royalty rate, while bundling multiple small tracts (including land in Ashland and the old Allen school site) to force oil companies into priority drilling timelines within an initial three-year term.
Dovetailing with the leases, Seitel Data presented a proposal to conduct seismic testing across 822 acres of school board property as part of a broader 320-square-mile imaging project of the Haynesville Formation. The board was assured of strict environmental protections:
- All source points will maintain a minimum 400-foot safety buffer from any man-made structure.
- In tightly populated areas, the company swaps explosives for a “vibroseis” truck, which emits ground vibrations via an attached pad.
- Holes are strictly sealed with bentonite clay to prevent groundwater contamination, per state regulations.
- The district will suffer zero costs and will be compensated $20 per acre (roughly $17,500 total), alongside full compensation for any customary timber or land damages verified by foresters.
The board plans to review a finalized seismic contract for approval next month.
Summer projects are moving at full speed. The department handled 144 work orders last month and has already received 60 new requests in the first four days of June.
- Fair View Roofing & Awnings: Phase-one materials have been ordered, with roofing and awning welding scheduled to begin around July 1. Crews are prioritizing center sections to ensure student safety by the fall.
- Marthaville Gym: The district is expediting pricing to replace Marthaville’s failing 30-year-old gym AC units as summer temperatures hit the 100-degree mark.
- Natchitoches Junior High (NJH): High-priority painting is underway to transition the school’s color scheme from blue to maroon, and chiller repairs are complete.
- Transportation Fleet: A significant fleet modernization was announced , with 13 newer-model buses being added to the lineup this year. The department lost zero drivers in May and has three new drivers currently in summer training.