Provides for the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Impact
The implementation of HB 597 is expected to significantly influence the educational landscape in Louisiana by introducing school choice for students attending low-performing schools. It facilitates a competitive environment among schools, prompting public and nonpublic institutions to enhance their educational offerings to attract scholarship recipients. Furthermore, the bill gives parents of children with special education needs options for accessing specialized services from nonpublic schools that demonstrate capacity, although it allows these schools to charge higher tuition rates for those services.
Summary
House Bill 597, known as the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, establishes a system for providing scholarships to eligible students in Louisiana to attend participating public and nonpublic schools. The bill outlines that students must be residents of Louisiana, from families with incomes not exceeding 250% of the federal poverty guideline, and either entering kindergarten or enrolled in public schools rated C, D, or F to qualify for the program. Funding for these scholarships is allocated from the state's Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), ensuring that participating schools receive an equitable share based on per-pupil funding from the local school systems.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 597 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill empowers parents to choose the best educational settings for their children, particularly for those trapped in failing public schools. They believe it fosters a more competitive educational environment that can lead to improved performance across the board. Conversely, critics express concerns about the potential diversion of funds from public schools and the inadequacy of oversight for nonpublic schools. They fear that the bill could undermine public education by reallocating resources meant for public institutions to private entities.
Contention
Key points of contention amongst lawmakers and stakeholders center around the implications of allowing public funds to support private education and the adequacy of oversight in ensuring quality education for scholarship recipients. Critics raise alarms regarding the potential for increased segregation and inequity in education, particularly concerning schools that have been approved for less than two years and are limited to accepting no more than 20% of students on scholarships. This debate reflects broader national discussions on school choice and voucher programs.
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 definition of "eligible student" for participation in the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence (voucher) Program (OR SEE FISC NOTE EX)
Provides relative to student eligibility to participate in the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program. (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides relative to program administration and school eligibility for Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to student eligibility requirements for the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence (voucher) Program (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides relative to student eligibility to participate in the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program. (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides relative to the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence (voucher) Program, including scholarship amounts, funding, and eligibility requirements for kindergarten students (OR NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Authorizes public or private entities to make certain donations to various participating schools for recipients of student scholarship programs. (7/1/14) (EN DECREASE GF 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 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 the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence (voucher) Program, including scholarship amounts, funding, and eligibility requirements for kindergarten students (OR NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to student eligibility to participate in the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program. (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Creates the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program to provide educational savings accounts for parental choice in K-12 education. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)