The Evangeline Parish School Board approved a recommendation from its business manager to purchase the necessary software to help track employees in connection with the far reaching effects of the Affordable Health Care Act. The law, better known as Obama Care, mandates employers to provide health care coverage to employees that work 30 hours or more. Employers who fail to comply with the provisions will be penalized with hefty fines from the Internal Revenue Service.

         The school board is planning to spend $8950 initially for the tracking software and the annual license will amount to $17,300.

          Superintendent of Schools Toni Hamlin said “It has been taxing for all of us to comply with this health care law.”

           Business Manager Amy Lafleur also had some good news for employees. The state has restored the 2.75% growth factor with the Minimum Foundation Formula funding to local school districts. The school district will receive $604, 662 from the extra funds. Professionals and support personnel will receive an additional check in October from the additional funds. Professionals will receive a one time check of $525 while Support Personnel will receive $236.

          In other action:

--received news that sales tax collections dropped by $220,497 in August as compared to August of 2012;-

--adopted the new 2013 fiscal year budget.