Orleans school millage rising

The Orleans Parish School Board approved an increase in its property tax millage Thursday night that, if fully collected, would net the public schools in the city an additional $14 million annually.

Several school officials argued that without the increase, the district's finances would grow increasingly dire over the next few years, ultimately threatening school programs throughout the city.

Pending action in the state Legislature, a chunk of the money would go toward helping the board deal with its "legacy costs" -- costs incurred before Hurricane Katrina when the district was far larger. Those include retiree health insurance, worker's compensation claims and legal costs. Because of the legacy costs "we are seeing a continued deterioration in our financial condition," said Stan Smith, the chief financial officer of the district.

The School Board oversees four traditional schools and 12 charters, but is the taxing entity for all public schools in the parish, whether they are independent charters or in the state run Recovery School District.

The unanimous vote, technically known as a "roll forward," raises the annual school tax rate from about 38.5 mills to about 44 mills, which signifies an increase of $68.75 per year for owners of a $200,000 home. For the owner of a $100,000 home, the vote means a tax increase of $13.75 per year.

The School Board could have approved a greater increase, but opted for 75 percent of the increase available to them.

"We are still in a community that is suffering from the effects of Katrina and rebuilding," said Smith, explaining why the administration did not recommend the maximum increase.

The Recovery School District, which oversees 33 traditional schools and 37 charters, supported the move, encouraging board members to consider the maximum increase instead of 75 percent.

"Ultimately, if this rollover is not passed, we're all going to pay," RSD Superintendent Paul Vallas said....