Provides for legislative approval of the MFP formula for the 2019-2020 school year (EG +$145,214,142 GF EX See Note)
The HCR1 resolution is significant as it lays out the financial framework for public schooling in Louisiana. The MFP formula includes provisions for varying levels of funding based on different student needs, including weights for low-income students, English language learners, and those requiring special education. By providing a systematic approach to education funding, the resolution seeks to ensure that resources are fairly distributed to accommodate the diverse needs of all students across the state, promoting educational equity and stability.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 1 (HCR1) provides for the legislative approval of the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula for the fiscal year 2019-2020. The resolution supports a formula that determines the cost of a minimum foundation program of education in all public elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana. Adopted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on March 13, 2019, this formula aims to equitably allocate funds to city and parish school systems based on the educational needs of students and local financial capabilities.
The overall sentiment surrounding HCR1 is supportive, particularly among educators and advocates for educational equity. Stakeholders who emphasize the importance of a foundational funding structure welcome the approval of this resolution, as it addresses critical issues of fair resource distribution. However, there are concerns about the reliance on local tax revenues to supplement state funding, which can lead to disparities in educational quality between wealthier and poorer districts.
While HCR1 represents a step toward standardizing and improving educational funding in Louisiana, there remains contention regarding the adequacy of the funds and the methods of calculating allocations. Some legislators and education advocates argue that the formula may still favor districts with greater local revenue generation capacities, potentially perpetuating inequities in educational opportunities. The debate continues on how to best structure the funding to ensure all students receive high-quality education, regardless of their geographic or economic circumstances.