Louisiana House Bill HR149

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/13
• Passed: 6/2/13

Caption

Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education reconsider its decision to close Benjamin E. Mays Preparatory School and that the Orleans Parish School Board and Recovery School District study working collaboratively to provide education services to this school's students

Impact

The resolution highlights the emotional and educational ramifications of closing the school, which would displace hundreds of students and disrupt their educational journey. It calls for a collaborative effort between the Orleans Parish School Board and the Recovery School District to study the feasibility of continuing education services for the affected students. This request aligns with the community's desire to maintain access to vital educational resources and prevent the negative consequences that such closures entail.

Summary

House Resolution 149, sponsored by Representative Wesley Bishop, urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to reconsider its decision to close the Benjamin E. Mays Preparatory School in New Orleans. This school, established in 2009, has become a significant educational institution for the local community, focusing on preparing students for success in high school and beyond. The resolution emphasizes the need for continued educational services in the Desire community, fueled by strong community support for the school.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR149 appears to be largely supportive of the school and the community's needs. Residents and supporters of Benjamin E. Mays Preparatory School express a strong emotional connection to the institution, viewing it as an essential part of their neighborhood. On the other hand, concerns may arise from those who support the state board's decision, likely based on financial or logistical reasoning for the closure, indicating a division of opinions on the matter.

Contention

While proponents of the resolution argue for the preservation of the school and the educational pathways it provides, opponents may argue the necessity of the closure from a resource allocation perspective. The resolution underscores a broader theme in educational policy debates regarding the balance of local community needs against state-level decision-making and management of educational resources. As such, the bill signifies ongoing dialogues about the importance of community involvement in educational decisions that affect local institutions.