Pastorek takes blame for loss of stipends

State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek is taking credit for the loss of $16.3 million for stipends paid to nationally certified educators, according to this Associated Press article in the Shreveport Times.

Pastorek says the stipend payments would have deeply cut his education department budget, so he asked Governor Jindal to veto the line item.

Says LFT President Steve Monaghan, "This is very disappointing, demonstrating a breathtaking lack of understanding for the effort educators have made to enhance their skills and improve our schools."