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CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS 

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, voters in Washington Parish will head to the polls to decide on the renewal of a property tax millage that supports the Bogalusa City School System. Polls will be open from 7am to 8pm.

What’s on the ballot?

The ballot features a millage renewal for the Bogalusa City School System. This tax is described as critical for maintaining current funding levels for the district, supporting essential services such as teacher salaries, utilities, transportation and classroom resources. The renewal does not propose a tax increase but aims to continue existing funding.

Dr. Byron Hurst, Bogalusa School Board Superintendent, emphasized the importance of the vote saying, “This is an important renewal that affects students in Ward 4.” He noted that if the renewal fails, it could cost the schools approximately $450 per student.

Additionally, this school maintenance funding impacts not only Bogalusa City Schools, but also Northshore Charter School and local online school programs, making the renewal vital for a broad range of students across the area.

Importance of voter turnout

Millage renewals are vital for school districts to maintain operations at current funding levels, and a recent millage renewal failure in West Baton Rouge Parish was defeated by one vote. The funding was not approved by the taxpayers and the school system had to make cuts in spending. The slim margin on that measure highlights the importance of voter participation in such elections. For more information, contact the Washington Parish Registrar of Voters or visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website.