GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 887 2016 Regular Session Steve Carter
(KEYWORD, SUMMARY, AND DIGEST as amended by Senate committee
amendments)
SCHOOLS: Creates a residential school for certain at-risk students in grades six
through twelve
DIGEST
Proposed law establishes an independent, residential, public school (Thrive Academy) in
Baton Rouge as a pilot school for certain at-risk students in grades six through 12. Provides
for the enrollment of "at-risk" students who meet at least one of the following:
(1)Is eligible for health benefits under Medicaid.
(2)Is in the eighth grade or below and is reading two or more grade levels below grade
level as determined by any test required pursuant to present law.
(3)Has a documented history of truancy.
(4)Is in foster care pursuant to placement through the Dept. of Children and Family
Services.
(5)Meets the criteria for a homeless student as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act.
(6)Is referred by a teacher, counselor, or principal.
Proposed law provides for a board of directors for the school and provides for membership
and terms. Provides that the members shall not receive any compensation. Provides for
powers and duties of the board including but not limited to adopting necessary rules,
regulations, and policies for the operation of the school, annually preparing and adopting a
formula to adequately fund the educational programs at the school, awarding certificates and
issuing diplomas, determining student eligibility with preference given to students with the
greatest need, and selecting a director for the school.
Proposed law provides that the director shall be the chief administrative officer and shall
administer the rules, regulations, and policies adopted by the board. The director shall be
responsible for all the administrative functions, duties, and needs of the board including but
not limited to preparing an annual budget, exercising budgetary responsibility and allocating
funds appropriated for the school, developing a student handbook, and determining faculty
and staff positions.
Proposed law requires the board to create an advisory panel to advise and provide assistance
to the board on matters affecting the school as determined by the board. Provides for panel
membership to consist of a representative from each local public school system that has
entered into an agreement with the board for the enrollment of a student who otherwise
would have attended school in the local public school system.
Proposed law provides that THRIVE Academy shall be considered a public school for
purposes of receiving funding through the minimum foundation program (MFP), in the same
manner as for other public schools as contained in the MFP budget letter approved by BESE.
The school shall also be eligible to receive such other funding as may be specifically
appropriated by the legislature. Permits the board to accept federal and private funds.
Proposed law provides that the school shall offer extracurricular activities. Provides that the
East Baton Rouge Parish public school system shall, to the extent practicable, allow the
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Prepared by Jay Lueckel. students of the school to participate in any extracurricular activities the system may offer
which the school cannot. Further provides that students shall be eligible to participate in any
extracurricular activity at a nonpublic school that is located within the attendance zone of the
school provided that such nonpublic school is approved by the State Bd. of Elementary and
Secondary Education.
Proposed law provides that the school shall be subject to the same laws, rules, regulations,
and other requirements applicable to public schools as specifically provided for in present
law (relative to charter schools).
Effective July 1, 2017, except that proposed law relative to the creation and functions of the
board of directors is effective October 1, 2016.
(Adds R.S. 17:1971-1976 and R.S. 36:651(D)(9))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the
original bill:
1. Add that in enrolling students, preference shall be given to students with the
greatest need based on the criteria specified in proposed law as determined by the
board.
2. Add that certificates and diplomas awarded by the school shall be in addition to
a regular high school diploma issued by the state board.
3. Delete provisions specifying that MFP funds shall be based on the school's
enrollment and the amount allocated shall be equal to the MFP per pupil amount.
4. Make proposed law effective July 1, 2017, except proposed law relative to the
creation and functions of the board of directors which is effective Oct. 1, 2016.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the reengrossed
bill
1. Specifies that the THRIVE Academy shall be considered a public school for
purposes of receiving funding through the minimum foundation program (MFP),
in the same manner as for other public schools as contained in the MFP budget
letter approved by BESE.
2. Provides that the school shall also be eligible to receive such other funding as
may be specifically appropriated by the legislature.
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Prepared by Jay Lueckel.