Senate Resolution No. by Senator Barrow urges the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to provide an annual report to the Senate committees on Finance and Education regarding the application and distribution of differentiated teacher pay as outlined in the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula. This resolution comes in response to a significant teacher shortage in Louisiana, with nearly 7,000 educators leaving the profession, and aims to ensure that the differentiated pay system is implemented fairly and equitably across school districts.

The resolution highlights recent modifications to the MFP, which include substantial salary increases for teachers and support staff, as well as stipends for those working in high-need areas. It emphasizes the importance of competitive salary packages to attract and retain talented educators, especially in light of the challenges posed by inflation and the state's ranking in average teacher salaries. The first report is due by February 28, 2024, and will continue annually thereafter, with copies of the resolution being transmitted to relevant education officials.