Louisiana House Bill HCR115

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/23/11
• Refer: 5/24/11
• Report Pass: 6/8/11
• Engrossed: 6/14/11

Caption

Requests study of standards and criteria for members of the Board of Regents

Impact

This resolution reflects a recognition that current constitutional guidelines do not specify qualifications for Board members. The study called for by HCR115 could lead to the establishment of necessary criteria that would serve to improve the capability and effectiveness of the Board by ensuring that its members are competent and committed to the state's educational needs. This can have far-reaching implications for educational policy and funding in Louisiana.

Summary

HCR115 urges the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education to study policy alternatives for ensuring that the members of the Board of Regents in Louisiana are adequately prepared to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities regarding postsecondary education. The resolution emphasizes the critical role that the Board plays in the planning, coordination, and funding of public postsecondary education and seeks to establish standards that qualify appointees for this essential task.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR115 appears to be supportive among those advocating for improved educational governance, as it seeks to enhance the quality and accountability of the Board of Regents. Supporters believe that a well-qualified Board is crucial for meeting the state's educational challenges and ensuring better outcomes for students. However, there might be concerns about the potential for politicization in the process of selecting qualified candidates.

Contention

Notably, there could be tension regarding the criteria established for appointees, particularly around the balance of political influence versus qualifications. The resolution suggests that members should not merely be political allies of the appointing governor but should also possess demonstrated leadership and experience pertinent to higher education. The discussion may lead to a significant re-evaluation of how board members are appointed, which could raise questions about local control and governance.