The Lafayette Parish School Board has canceled an April 9 election that would have featured proposals for new property taxes for local schools.

The board voted 8-0 Tuesday to remove the propositions from the ballot. Board member Tehmi Chassion was absent.

Board member Justin Centanni said it’s been “bad news after bad news” since the board agreed in December to put the proposals up for a public vote. Since then, there have been more layoffs in the oil industry, and the state’s budget deficit has become more pronounced than originally thought. Gov. John Bel Edwards is proposing new state taxes to help offset the massive shortfall.

“I think the last thing any member of this board wants to do is impact the families that are struggling to make it already,” Centanni said. “To go and ask the average homeowner in Lafayette Parish to pay an additional $200 a year – I don’t think it’s the right time. It’s very unfortunate.”

If approved, $380 million would have gone toward school facilities, including replacements for Lafayette High and Carencro Heights Elementary, major renovations throughout the parish and additions at many schools.

Other taxes would have gone toward maintenance and enhanced academic programs, such as The Leader In Me, the Fast ForWord literacy program, career/technical education and early childhood programs.

Board member Jeremy Hidalgo questioned the decision to cancel the election, especially since there is no indication on when the district might bring the proposals forth again.

“I do agree these are troubling times, and I know that we have to be mindful of all constituents in this district and this community,” Hidalgo said. “But no one has been able to tell me when the right time is going to be. I think it’s our job to get it out to the constituents … I’m torn on this decision.”

Board member Mary Morrison said there is no doubt that a future tax proposal will eventually be presented to Lafayette Parish voters.

“This is not going away,” she said. “It’s not a good time for us now, but in the future, we would like the community to support us with our facility needs and help us move forward with our educational programs. There’s no way we can do it without you.”