Public school advocates filed a lawsuit Thursday to pay for teacher stipends by cutting education funding by nearly $170 million.
The request for a temporary restraining order was filed in the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. It argues that Landry overstepped his constitutional authority by effectively reallocating education funds, which the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education controls under Louisian’s constitution. It also says Landry circumvented the proper legal procedure by issuing the June 2 order after the legislative session had ended.
“The Executive Order is a glaring abuse of executive power in violation of the state constitution,” says the June 18 petition.
If the cut is allowed to proceed, the petition adds, it will cause “irreparable harm” to the state’s public schools, and “will eliminate funding for programs and staff of the schools that has already been appropriated.”
The petition was filed by Katie Baudouin, an Orleans Parish School Board member; Belinda Davis, a former state board of education member; and Mike Faulk, a former school superintendent. All three have children or grandchildren in public schools.
Landry’s order calls for a $168 million reduction in state education funding this school year to pay for $2,000 stipends for teachers and $1,000 for school support staff. The funding cut must be approved by two-thirds of state lawmakers, who have until Tuesday to cast their ballots.
The petition seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the voting process, which is being conducted remotely since the legislative session ended June 1, and to block Landry’s order from taking effect.
“I have deep concern for the lack of a deliberative process in the Governor’s action, especially in that it excluded any public comment, debate or testimony that would have occurred through an appropriate legislative process,” said a statement from Faulk, who has four grandchildren in the Monroe City School System and previously led the h Association of School Superintendents.
The plaintiffs are represented by the law firm Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz.
In a statement issued before the lawsuit was filed, a spokesperson for the governor said the Landry administration feels “very confident about our legal position.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.