DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Carter HB No. 596
Abstract: Provides relative to powers and duties of local school boards and the scope of
employment and responsibilities of superintendents and principals.
Present law requires each school board to serve in a policymaking capacity, to establish policies
that prioritize student achievement, financial efficiency, and workforce development, and to
select a superintendent who shall prioritize student achievement and act in the best interests of all
students. Requires each school board to determine the number and location of schools and the
number of teachers and other personnel to be employed.
Present law provides that the superintendent shall have authority to employ teachers and fix their
salaries and shall see that the provisions of the state law are complied with.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires that the school board delegate authority for the hiring and placement of all
school personnel to the superintendent. Proposed law requires that the superintendent have
authority to enter, amend, and terminate employment contracts for all school and school system
personnel, which includes the authority to hire, place, and dismiss all school and school system
personnel.
Present law requires a school board to adopt policies and establish procedures that require a local
school superintendent to delegate to the principal all decisions regarding the hiring or placement
of any teacher or other personnel at the school in which the principal is employed, subject to the
approval of the local school superintendent. Proposed law retains present law and additionally
provides that no teaching personnel shall be placed, regardless of tenure status, in a school
without the consent of the principal.
Present law provides that school board policies shall require the superintendent to consult with
teachers prior to making any decisions regarding the hiring or placement of a principal at the
school in which such teachers are employed. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires the superintendent and principal to make all employment-related decisions
based upon performance, effectiveness, and qualifications and that effectiveness as determined
pursuant to the performance evaluation program shall be used as the primary criterion. Prohibits
consideration of seniority or tenure as the primary criterion when making personnel decisions.
Proposed law retains present law. Present law prohibits a school board member from acting in an individual capacity in a manner
intended to interfere with any personnel decision. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law authorizes the superintendent to appoint visiting teachers and supervisors of child
welfare and attendance. Proposed law retains present law and authorizes the superintendent to
supervise and dismiss such personnel.
Present law provides that a school principal shall be appointed by and serve under the direction
of the superintendent. Proposed law provides instead that the superintendent is responsible for
the appointment, supervision, and dismissal of school principals.
Present law provides that school boards may appoint and fix the salaries of assistant
superintendents, supervisors, stenographers, bookkeepers, attendance officers, medical directors,
and other appointees as necessary. Provides that school boards with a population of 200,000 or
more may appoint a deputy parish superintendent of schools and provides that the deputy parish
superintendent serves at the pleasure of the school board. Proposed law repeals present law.
Effective July 1, 2013.
(Amends R.S. 17:81(A) and (P)(1), 229, and 414.1; Repeals R.S. 17:81(I) and 84)