Prohibits the transfer of certain schools to the Recovery School District and provides for memorandums of understanding (OR INCREASE SG EX See Note)
Impact
The enactment of HB 499 potentially alters the trajectory of educational governance in Louisiana by instituting a framework that prioritizes performance improvement over administrative transfers. By mandating that schools develop performance improvement plans through the MOU process, the bill aims to hold school authorities accountable for elevating academic standards. This approach could lead to enhanced oversight of failing schools and a renewed emphasis on intervention strategies, potentially resulting in improved educational outcomes for students who historically attended underperforming institutions.
Summary
House Bill 499, introduced by Representative Patricia Smith, seeks to modify the existing framework governing the transfer of schools to the Recovery School District (RSD) in Louisiana. Specifically, the bill prohibits the transfer of certain academically unacceptable schools to the RSD after a specified date, November 1, 2011. Following this date, any school that might otherwise be eligible for such transfer is required to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). This MOU is designed to establish clear performance objectives and timelines for improvement, allowing schools to retain jurisdiction while operating under RSD supervision.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment regarding HB 499 appears to be supportive among proponents of local control and educational reform, viewing it as a necessary step to promote accountability and performance in struggling schools. However, it may also face criticism from those who believe that the constraints imposed by the MOU process could limit autonomy. Advocates feel the bill reflects a balanced approach to handling failing schools, emphasizing intervention rather than transfer, while opponents may argue that it could prolong the status quo for underperforming schools without sufficient immediate action to address their needs.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 499 revolve around the effectiveness of the school performance improvement plans stipulated by the new MOUs. Critics could argue that while this bill introduces a level of accountability, it does not inherently guarantee that sufficient support and resources will be provided for schools to meet the outlined performance objectives. The debate may further consider whether the oversight from RSD is sufficient or whether a stronger, more direct intervention is necessary to ensure meaningful improvements, potentially leading to a divide between those advocating for more centralized management and those supporting local governance.
Provides for parent petitions relative to the transfer of certain schools from the Recovery School District back to the local school system (RE1 SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions for certain schools to be transferred to the RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to school choice, including the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions to transfer certain schools to be RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers. (gov sig) (EG INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the parent petition process for removing a school from the jurisdiction of the Recovery School District and returning such school to the local school system (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Clarifies the process for returning back to the school system those schools that have been transferred to the RSD that are no longer academically unacceptable. (gov sig)
Provides relative to the allocation of local funds by the Orleans Parish School Board for schools transferred to the Recovery School District (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)