The Senate Fiscal Review Committee convened on July 30, 2025, to address critical financial issues within the Louisiana school system, particularly concerning the management of COVID relief funds. The interim superintendent reported a concerning situation where insufficient funds were available to cover upcoming payrolls, prompting an urgent review of the district's financial practices.

During the meeting, it was revealed that bank reconciliations had not been conducted for over a year, significantly impacting the district's financial oversight. The committee discussed the excessive stipends paid to employees, noting that approximately half of these payments were funded through COVID relief money, while the other half came from the general fund.

A significant point of contention was the failure to request reimbursements for eligible expenditures. A detailed analysis indicated that nearly $950,000 in expenses related to COVID funds had not been claimed, primarily due to delays in submitting requisitions. This oversight left the school board unable to recover costs for supplies and other necessary expenditures, as the funds had already been allocated to stipends.

Christie Lofton, a staff accountant involved in the review, explained that the stipends were intended to compensate staff for additional work related to COVID safety measures. However, concerns were raised regarding the approval process for these stipends, with some board members questioning whether they had been properly authorized.

The committee emphasized the need for improved financial management and accountability within the school district to prevent similar issues in the future. The discussions underscored the importance of timely financial reporting and adherence to established protocols for fund allocation and expenditure requests.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the necessity for ongoing oversight and potential policy revisions to ensure that funds are utilized effectively and transparently moving forward.