BOSSIER CITY, LA — In a move that marks the largest permanent pay raise in its history, the Bossier Parish School Board voted Thursday night to significantly increase salaries for both educators and support staff—without relying on a new tax bond.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, starting teacher salaries in Bossier Parish will rise by $2,500, bringing the new base pay to $52,634. This change will also trigger increases across the existing salary schedule for all certified personnel. In addition, support staff will receive a 4.75% increase in their pay scale.

The board estimates the annual cost at approximately $10.6 million, which accounts for related retirement contributions and step increases. The funding for the raises will come from property millage restructuring, increased sales tax revenue, and slight reductions in retirement contribution rates through the Louisiana School Employees’ Retirement System (LSERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL).

Board President Craton Cochran emphasized the board’s commitment to investing in the district’s workforce.

“This is a monumental milestone that demonstrates the importance our board places on those teaching and positioning our children for success,” said Cochran. “By passing a permanent pay raise that employees can factor into their monthly budget and count on during retirement, it is our hope to not only have a positive impact on their financial future, but also attract the best that want to work in Bossier Parish.”

Superintendent Jason Rowland echoed that sentiment, describing the board’s action as a timely affirmation of the teaching profession.

“We cannot express our gratitude enough to the board for validating the teaching profession and elevating our educators to a place few could have imagined,” said Rowland. “Leadership sometimes means stepping up, not stepping aside, and that is exactly what our board did.”

The increase positions Bossier Schools as one of the most competitive districts in Louisiana in terms of educator compensation, particularly among neighboring school systems.

The district hopes the boost in pay will help attract and retain high-quality educators and staff amid ongoing workforce challenges in public education across the state and nation.