Louisiana House Bill HB489

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes BESE, transfers board duties, functions, and responsibilities to the state superintendent and provides for the superintendent to be appointed by the governor (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 489 would fundamentally alter the structure of educational oversight in Louisiana. By eliminating BESE, the bill consolidates authority in the hands of the governor's appointed superintendent. This could streamline decision-making processes regarding educational policies and funding allocation, particularly the formula for the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), which determines public school funding. However, this centralization raises concerns about reduced local input and oversight in educational governance as local districts may have less autonomy to influence policies that directly affect their communities.

Summary

House Bill 489 proposes a significant change to the governance of public education in Louisiana by abolishing the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and transferring its responsibilities to the state superintendent of education. Under the proposed amendment, the state superintendent, who would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, would gain control over critical functions including the supervision and control of public schools, setting educational standards, and budgeting for state-funded educational initiatives. This shift represents a move toward a more centralized form of educational governance in Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 489 is mixed, reflecting deep concerns about educational governance among lawmakers and the public. Proponents believe that the proposed changes will lead to increased accountability and efficiency in education management, aligning the educational priorities with the governor's administration. Conversely, critics argue that the bill undermines local control and dilutes the voices of communities in shaping their education systems. This contentious debate highlights the fundamental tension between centralized authority and local governance in the realm of public education.

Contention

Notable contention arises from the shift in responsibility for the minimum foundation program formula. Under current law, BESE is tasked with developing and adopting the formula, a process that includes significant stakeholder engagement. HB 489 allows the state superintendent to propose amendments to the formula, which could streamline legislative approval but may leave less room for local input and feedback. Opponents of the bill worry that this decentralization could exacerbate inequities in educational funding across the state, particularly affecting urban and rural districts differently.