Requests LCTCS and Sowela administrators to work together to study the impacts of hurricanes Laura and Delta on the institution and its student body in order to inform any legislative requests for the 2021 Regular Session.
Impact
This resolution is significant as it seeks to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to restore Sowela Technical Community College to full functionality by the Fall 2021 semester. It emphasizes the importance of addressing not just the physical damages but also the broader implications of the hurricanes on students' financial and mental health. The assessment would guide potential legislative measures to facilitate effective recovery and support for affected students, reinforcing the role of the educational system in disaster recovery.
Summary
SCR2, a Senate Concurrent Resolution, urges and requests the administrators of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and Sowela Technical Community College to collaborate on a study addressing the impacts of hurricanes Laura and Delta on Sowela's campuses and its student body. The resolution acknowledges the significant damage these hurricanes inflicted on the college facilities, which led to the suspension of all classes. A comprehensive understanding of the overall impact on the institution and its students is essential to inform legislative requests in the upcoming 2021 Regular Session.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR2 appears to be proactive and supportive, focused on recovery and collaboration among educational leaders. Legislators recognize the urgent need to address the issues precipitated by the hurricanes, indicating a shared commitment to assist students in overcoming the challenges presented by these natural disasters. This resolution also reflects a unified approach toward ensuring educational continuity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Contention
While SCR2 aims to mobilize resources and attention for the recovery of Sowela Technical Community College, potential points of contention may arise regarding the adequacy of funding and the pace of legislative responses. Discussions might surface on the effectiveness of the proposed study and whether it will lead to timely and sufficient legislative solutions. Additionally, the resolution highlights the broader implications of natural disasters on educational access, potentially fostering debates around educational policy and disaster preparedness in Louisiana.
Requests BESE to adopt adjustments to the MFP formula to ensure that school districts impacted by Hurricane Laura do not lose funding during the 2020-2021 fiscal year due to decreases in student enrollment.
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to discuss possible adjustments to the Minimum Foundation Program formula in order to ensure adequate funding for school systems affected by Hurricane Laura or Hurricane Delta
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to take all necessary measures to ensure that the Calcasieu and Cameron parish school systems are not penalized in terms of funding due to Hurricane Laura
Requests the governor to add Beauregard Parish, Vernon Parish, Allen Parish, and Rapides Parish to the areas covered by the request for a federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Delta
Requests certain state agencies and private businesses in Louisiana to recognize the value that justice-involved persons can bring to the workforce and society and to act with intention to empower, train, and employ such individuals.
Requests each local public school board to provide for high school student interaction with the board in an informative, advisory, and nonvoting capacity.