The Louisiana Department of Education values servant leadership and is grateful for the opportunity to support the students, educators, families, and communities within our state. It takes dedicated individuals to achieve what is possible for our children. Together with our educators, leaders, community members, and families - it is our responsibility to make sure every student:
The Louisiana Department of Education has a rich benefits package that includes:
Full-time permanent employees are eligible for health insurance and may choose from multiple plans. The state pays 75% of the insurance premium for the employee; employees must pay the remaining 25% and insurance coverage for dependents. Information about plans is available at the Office of Group Benefits.
Louisiana has two retirement systems – Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (LASER) and Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL). Employees are required to contribute 8% of their gross salary to one of the retirement systems.
Employees hired before June 30, 2006, are eligible for full retirement benefits after 30 years of service and for partial retirement benefits after 20 years of service. Employees may also retire with full benefits at age 55 after 25 years of service or at age 60 after ten years of service.
Employees hired after July 1, 2006, are eligible for retirement benefits at age 60 after five years of service or after 20 years of service, with variable benefits based on length of service.
Employees who are vested in another state retirement system, such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana, may remain in their previous system.
State employees are paid for eight holidays, including New Years Day (January 1), Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day, Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day (December 25).
The Governor may proclaim additional holidays during the year, including Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Memorial Day and Acadian Day (day after Thanksgiving).
State employees receive a paid holiday for Federal elections (second Tuesday of November in years ending with an even number) and for inauguration day for Louisiana statewide elected officers.
Full-time permanent employees earn sick and annual leave based on their years of service. Leave may be carried over from one year to the next.
Years of Service | Biweekly | Sick Leave | Annual Leave | Total Leave |
0-3 | 3.668 | 12 | 12 | 24 |
3-5 | 4.608 | 15 | 15 | 30 |
5-10 | 5.536 | 18 | 18 | 36 |
10-15 | 6.456 | 21 | 21 | 42 |
15+ | 7.384 | 24 | 24 | 48 |