Louisiana House Bill HB105

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/18
• Refer: 2/21/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 4/12/18

Caption

Allows certain Type 1 charter schools to act as their own local education agencies (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

Impact

The legislative change proposed by HB 105 is anticipated to have a significant impact on the autonomy of charter schools in the state. Schools operating under this designation will have more control over their funding sources and the ability to define their operations, potentially aligning better with their educational goals. By empowering certain Type 1 charter schools, the bill seeks to enhance overall educational performance and student outcomes, especially for schools that have demonstrated high achievement as evidenced by their letter grades from the accountability system.

Summary

House Bill 105 allows certain Type 1 charter schools in Louisiana to operate as their own local education agencies (LEAs) for funding purposes. The bill amends existing laws related to charter school funding, specifically stating that while local school boards generally serve as the LEAs for Type 1, 3, and 4 charter schools, there are exceptions for Type 1 charter schools that meet predefined criteria. This legislation aims to grant greater autonomy to successful charter schools, enabling them to manage their funding and educational frameworks independently from local school district oversight.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 105 appears to be favorable among proponents of charter school expansion, who argue that it bolsters school choice and educational innovation. Supporters suggest that allowing these schools to act as their own LEAs will improve management and accountability. However, there may also be concerns from critics about the implications for local control and the potential for increased fragmentation in the education system. The debate reflects broader discussions about the role of charter schools in public education and the balance of authority between state boards and local educational institutions.

Contention

Notably, the contention surrounding HB 105 revolves around the criteria set for Type 1 schools to become their own LEAs. To qualify, a charter school must have begun operations in 2013-2014, conducted admissions lotteries, enrolled students in specific grade levels, and achieved high performance ratings over several years. Critics may argue that these restrictions could create inequalities among schools, favoring select institutions while leaving others without similar opportunities. The balancing act between enhancing charter autonomy and ensuring equitable education access is a central theme of the legislative discourse.