Louisiana Senate Bill SB1

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/17
• Refer: 1/30/17
• Refer: 4/10/17
• Report Pass: 5/15/17
• Engrossed: 5/18/17
• Refer: 5/22/17
• Report Pass: 5/31/17
• Enrolled: 6/7/17
• Chaptered: 6/23/17
• Passed: 6/23/17

Caption

Renames the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts as the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The implications of SB1 are significant for state educational laws, particularly in how schools are governed and funded. The bill emphasizes that the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts will follow a funding formula similar to that of existing schools, ensuring that it receives adequate state support. The bill specifies that the formula for allocating funds will be equal on a per-student basis to amounts appropriated to peer institutions, promoting equality in educational funding across schools within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 1 (SB1) proposes to rename the existing Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts to the 'Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.' This name change would solidify the institution's identity and honor its namesake while otherwise maintaining the structure and mission of the school. The bill outlines how the school will continue to function as a public secondary educational institution providing rigorous academic opportunities aimed at talented students in Louisiana without requiring tuition fees, thus expanding access to higher-quality education.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1 appears largely supportive, particularly among legislators who emphasize the importance of recognizing and institutionalizing educational excellence in Louisiana. Supporters argue that the bill not only pays tribute to a prominent figure in educational development but also elevates the school’s stature, potentially attracting more talent to its programs. However, there are underlying concerns regarding funding adequacy and resource allocation, as stakeholders want to ensure that renaming the school does not detract from its operational budget.

Contention

Notable points of contention around the bill often focus on resource allocation and the potential for disparities in funding between traditional public schools and specialized institutions like the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. Opponents argue that while the intent is noble, there may be implications for public school funding overall, particularly if the new identity of the school does not come with a sustainable financial plan. This highlights ongoing discussions in Louisiana about how to prioritize excellence in education while ensuring equity in funding across diverse school types.