Louisiana House Bill HB561

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/21/10

Caption

Provides for a salary supplement for certain public school educational diagnosticians (EG +$1,040,000 LF EX See Note)

Impact

The enactment of HB 561 is anticipated to positively impact state laws by institutionalizing financial incentives for educational diagnosticians based on their qualifications. It permits school boards the flexibility to budget, receive, and utilize federal funds allocated for implementing the bill's provisions. The success of the bill may lead to increased funding for educational services and adjustments in salary structures within the educational system, reflecting the importance of certified professionals in education.

Summary

House Bill 561 proposes a salary supplement of $5,000 annually for full-time educational diagnosticians in Louisiana who hold a valid teaching certificate, state certification, and the Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician (NCED) credential. The bill aims to enhance the financial compensation for these professionals, acknowledging their critical role in providing diagnostic services to students. This initiative seeks to attract and retain qualified educational diagnosticians within the public school system, thereby improving educational outcomes for students requiring specialized educational services.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 561 tends to be supportive, particularly from educational advocates and organizations that recognize the value of educational diagnosticians. By offering a salary supplement, the legislation conveys a message of recognition towards these professionals. However, some concerns loom regarding the financial implications on school board budgets, as they may need to reassess their funding allocations to accommodate the additional salary costs.

Contention

Despite the supportive sentiment, there are notable points of contention regarding the bill's funding mechanism. Some critics argue that the requirement for school boards to utilize potentially limited federal funds to meet the salary supplement may create disparities in implementation across different districts. Furthermore, amendments to the original bill permit, rather than mandate, school boards to provide the supplement, raising questions about consistency and equity in compensation across the state.