Louisiana House Bill HSR10

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

Caption

Requests the House Committee on Education to study the powers, duties, and functions of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Dept. of Education

Impact

HSR10 seeks to address concerns about overlapping responsibilities and potential duplication of efforts between BESE and the Department of Education, which are both crucial for the governance and supervision of public schooling in Louisiana. It highlights the necessity to clarify their roles to enhance the management of funds, curriculum, standards, assessment programs, and educational services within the state's public education framework. A clearer delineation of duties is anticipated to contribute to a more streamlined approach in enhancing the quality of education delivered in the state.

Summary

House Study Request No. 10 (HSR10), sponsored by Representative Barrow, calls for the House Committee on Education to examine the functions and duties of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the state Department of Education. The primary aim of this bill is to ensure the effective performance of these bodies in meeting the educational needs of Louisiana's public school children. The results of this study are to be reported to the House of Representatives by February 1, 2014.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HSR10 appears to be positive among those advocating for improved clarity and efficiency in education governance. Supporters assert that studying the overlapping functions will lead to better governance and more effective use of resources dedicated to education. However, concerns could arise regarding the thoroughness of the study and its capacity to address deeper systemic issues within the educational framework. Stakeholders may be cautiously optimistic that this initiative will yield valuable recommendations.

Contention

Potential points of contention may involve disagreements on the extent of the powers exercised by BESE and the Department of Education. Some stakeholders might argue that while efficiencies can be gained, it is crucial to ensure that neither body loses essential autonomy and authority required to address local educational needs. Additionally, the outcome of the study and the subsequent recommendations may be scrutinized, especially if they suggest significant changes to existing educational structures and governance.