LAFAYETTE - The Lafayette Parish School Board is facing tough decisions and likely layoffs as it prepares to grapple with a $13 million projected budget shortfall for the upcoming school year.
    
The Advocate reports board members heard an initial budget report Wednesday from school system administrators.
    
Billy Guidry, the school district's chief financial officer, said sales tax revenues are estimated to be $5 million, or 7 percent less, next year. That's in addition to the 8 percent decline in sales tax collections already this year.
    
The school system also stands to lose $2.58 million more to charter schools, as three existing charter schools in Lafayette Parish plan to expand their grade level offerings next year.