Louisiana Senate Bill SB176

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/8/13

Caption

Requires certain local public school boards to obtain BESE approval before making certain changes in the status of a failing school. (8/1/13)

Impact

The enactment of SB176 particularly affects local governance of schools by imposing stricter guidelines on how failing schools can be managed. By requiring BESE approval, the law centralizes some decision-making processes that were previously handled at the local level. This could lead to more standardized interventions across the state, with the intention of improving outcomes for students in underperforming schools. The law applies specifically to local school boards in parishes with populations exceeding 440,000, indicating a targeted approach to regions where there may be a higher concentration of failing schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 176 (SB176) was introduced to enhance accountability measures for failing schools in Louisiana. The bill stipulates that local public school boards are required to obtain approval from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) before making any significant changes to the status of a school classified as failing. This includes actions such as closing the school, altering its grade configuration, or changing its instructional program. The law aims to create a systematic approach to managing failing schools and ensuring that significant changes are backed by state-level oversight.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB176 appears to be mixed among legislators and stakeholders in the education community. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step to ensure that failing schools receive the support and structured oversight needed to improve, ultimately benefiting students. However, critics have raised concerns about the potential loss of local control over education and the challenges this centralized approach might introduce. Observers have noted that the effectiveness of the bill will depend on how BESE exercises its authority in practice.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB176 revolves around the balance of power between local school boards and the state. Advocates for local control fear that the bill might impede the ability of communities to respond promptly and effectively to the unique needs of their failing schools. On the other hand, proponents emphasize the importance of state involvement in ensuring accountability for educational outcomes. The ongoing debate highlights broader discussions about education reform, accountability, and the roles of state versus local governance in public education.