Louisiana Senate Bill SR68

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/17
• Refer: 5/3/17
• Report Pass: 5/22/17
• Passed: 5/24/17

Caption

Requests each charter school governing or management board to include at least one parent or guardian of a student in its membership.

Impact

The resolution aims to strengthen the structures within charter schools by formalizing the participation of parents in governance. By requiring that a parent representative is elected by the majority of parents in the school, SR68 is expected to increase accountability and responsiveness of charter schools to the needs and concerns of their parent communities. It aligns with the broader educational framework established by the Every Student Succeeds Act, which emphasizes parental and family engagement as a key component of student success and school improvement initiatives.

Summary

Senate Resolution 68 (SR68) proposes that each charter school's governing or management board must include at least one parent or legal guardian of a student currently enrolled in that school. This resolution highlights the importance of parental involvement in the governance of educational institutions and aims to enhance the decision-making processes within charter schools by ensuring that parents have a voice in matters that directly affect their children's education. It is based on the premise that increased parental engagement correlates positively with both student performance and overall satisfaction among families.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SR68 appears to be supportive of enhancing parental involvement in education. Proponents argue that this measure is a positive step towards building a collaborative environment between schools and families, which could lead to better educational outcomes for students. The resolution reflects a growing recognition of the value of including diverse stakeholders in educational governance, particularly parents who play a critical role in their children's academic journey. However, there may also be fears regarding the practical implications of such a structure and whether it could complicate governance or dilute the authority of educational professionals.

Contention

While the resolution encourages greater representation of parents in school governance, potential points of contention may arise around the mechanics of electing parent representatives, including eligibility, voter participation, and the selection process. Some critics could argue that there are challenges in ensuring all parents are adequately informed or motivated to participate in such elections. Additionally, discussions may need to address how to balance parental input with the expertise and vision of educational professionals leading the charter schools, mitigating any concerns about conflicts or dilution of educational standards.