Louisiana House Bill HB165

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for a nine-member State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 165 would significantly alter the composition and governance of the BESE, impacting how educational policies are determined in the state. By decreasing the number of board members and changing the appointment process, the bill emphasizes a more streamlined approach to leadership within the education sector. Supporters argue that a smaller board could operate more efficiently and with more focused objectives, potentially benefiting the state's education system by making quicker decisions.

Summary

House Bill 165 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at restructuring the membership of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) in Louisiana. The bill seeks to reduce the total number of board members from eleven to nine by eliminating two of the appointed positions. Specifically, it proposes to retain eight members elected from single-member districts while reducing the number of at-large appointees from three to one. This single appointee will be selected by the governor, the speaker of the House, and the president of the Senate.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 165 appears to be mixed, with proponents praising the bill for promoting effective governance and operational efficiency while raising concerns over potential partisan influence in the selection of the remaining appointee. Critics warn that reducing board representation may limit diverse perspectives necessary for addressing the educational needs of a broad constituency. The discussion around the bill highlights ongoing debates about governance in education and the balance between efficiency and representation.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the concerns of diminishing local representation on the BESE. Opponents of the bill express apprehensions that reducing the number of appointed members may centralize power and create a board that is less reflective of the state's varied educational landscape. The amendment's process also raises questions about the accountability and democratic nature of appointments, which are critical in a field that greatly impacts children's futures.