(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)
If enacted, HB 391 would fundamentally change how public colleges and universities are managed in Louisiana. The consolidation of governance aims to create a more efficient structure expected to improve educational administration and responsiveness to institutional needs. By placing all power in one governing board, the bill seeks to eliminate redundancy and provide clearer accountability throughout the educational system. The new governance structure is designed to enhance the allocation of financial resources, institutional management, and overall educational quality.
House Bill 391 proposes a significant restructuring of the governance of public postsecondary education in Louisiana. The bill aims to abolish the existing Board of Regents and various management boards, establishing instead the Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees. This new board would have comprehensive powers over planning, coordination, and budgetary responsibilities for postsecondary institutions, thus streamlining decision-making processes that are dispersed among multiple boards under the current system.
The sentiment surrounding HB 391 appears to be mixed among legislators and stakeholders. Supporters, particularly from the Republican side, assert that the proposed amendment is a necessary reform for optimizing the educational governance system, which could lead to better management and potentially improve student outcomes. Conversely, opponents express concerns over the loss of local governance and representation that existed under the previous structure. Some educators and community advocates worry that centralization could diminish the voices of local institutions and hinder their ability to address specific regional educational needs.
A notable point of contention regarding HB 391 lies in the potential implications for community and technical colleges. Critics fear that the interests of smaller institutions might be overshadowed by larger universities within the single board structure. Additionally, there are discussions over how the transition to this new governance model will be managed, particularly concerning the redistribution of powers and responsibilities from the abolished boards to the new trustees. The effectiveness of the new board in representing diverse populations and educational interests across Louisiana remains a significant concern.