Louisiana Senate Bill SCR57

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/19
• Refer: 4/29/19
• Report Pass: 5/6/19
• Passed: 5/8/19
• Engrossed: 5/8/19

Caption

Requests BESE to work with the governor and legislature to develop a ten-year plan to increase teacher salaries to the highest in the nation.

Impact

The proposed resolution recognizes the importance of placing qualified and engaged educators in classrooms as key to enhancing the educational framework in Louisiana. By aligning teacher salaries with national averages, the initiative strives to create competitive compensation that can draw highly skilled individuals into the teaching profession. The resolution signifies a commitment by the legislature to invest in education, which could lead to changes in state policies regarding salary structures and budget allocations for education funding.

Summary

SCR57, also known as the Louisiana Teacher Salary Resolution, urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to collaborate with the governor and the legislature to formulate a ten-year plan aimed at elevating teacher salaries. The resolution emphasizes the necessity of increasing teacher pay so that Louisiana's average teacher salary matches or surpasses that of other states. This initiative arises from concerns regarding the challenges of attracting and retaining quality educators due to relatively lower salaries compared to other professions and states.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR57 appears to be predominantly positive, especially among educators and advocacy groups who support the need for better teacher compensation. The resolution has received unanimous support in the Senate, reflecting a broad consensus on the importance of elevating teacher salaries. Nonetheless, there is a recognition of potential financial challenges in implementing the proposed plan, which may lead to discussions regarding funding mechanisms and resource allocation.

Contention

While SCR57 is largely framed as a proactive step toward improving educational outcomes, there may be debates surrounding the specifics of how the proposed salary increases will be funded and the timeline for implementation. Critics might express concerns regarding budgetary constraints and whether the state can achieve these goals without reallocating funds from other essential services. Hence, careful planning and collaboration will be necessary to address these issues effectively.