(Baton Rouge - September 10, 2010) The Louisiana Federation of Teachers cheered Thursday’s announcement that Louisiana has applied for part of the new $10 billion federal Education Jobs Fund. The state is eligible to receive approximately $147 million through the federal allocation.
"This funding is a critical lifeline for school systems already faced with difficult budget choices," LFT President Steve Monaghan said. "We are grateful for the president's initiative and Congress' intent to make sure that Louisiana children do not suffer the unnecessary loss of vital educational resources while we work together for more permanent solutions to the financial crisis plaguing our state and nation."
According to guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE), school districts are required to use the funds to pay the salaries and benefits of teachers, school administrators, and other essential staff. The funds can be used to recall or rehire former employees, retain existing employees, and hire new employees to ensure that students receive vital educational and related services.
After Congress passed the appropriation, which was proposed by President Barack Obama and heavily supported by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, there were questions as to whether or not Louisiana qualified for the funds because of heavy budget cuts to higher education in our state.
Monaghan and Jefferson Federation of Teachers President Meladie Munch personally appealed to Senator Mary Landrieu, Congressman Charlie Melancon and, along with Monroe Federation President Sandie Lollie, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to ensure Louisiana’s eligibility for the funding. St. Tammany Federation President Elsie Burkhalter, who is also a vice president of the AFT, met with Senator Landrieu to plead Louisiana’s case.
Louisiana’s other senator, David Vitter, voted against the Education Jobs Fund.
State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said that if the state’s application is approved, funding will be allocated directly to local school districts based on the state's Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula.
Thus far, twenty-one states and one territory have qualified for the funding. Official determination of approval of Louisiana's application is expected within two weeks. For more information on the legislation, please click here for the Education Jobs Fund website.