DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 253 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session McKnight
Abstract: Provides with respect to the governance and funding of the La. Special School District,
which provides special education services through its schools and programs.
Special School District, generally
Present law provides that the Special School District (SSD) includes the La. special schools (the La.
School for the Deaf and the La. School for the Visually Impaired) and Special School Programs,
which provide services to students in state-operated facilities. Proposed law retains present law.
Governance
Present law provides that the SSD is an educational service agency administered by the Dept. of
Education and governed by the state superintendent of education. Proposed law instead provides for
the district to be an independent agency governed by a newly created board of directors with 11
members (one member of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education appointed by the
state board president and 10 members appointed by the governor). Provides for the board's powers
and duties with respect to district governance.
Administration
Present law provides for the SSD to be under the administration of a district superintendent
appointed by the state superintendent of education (subject to confirmation by the Senate), who shall
set his salary and oversee his duties and functions. Proposed law transfers such authorities from the
state superintendent to the board of directors.
Funding
Proposed law requires the board to adopt an annual budget to adequately fund the district and that
the district shall be considered a public school for purposes of receiving funding through the
minimum foundation program (MFP). Provides that the district is also eligible to receive such other
funding as may be appropriated by the legislature.
Enrollment
Present law requires the special schools to establish an annual enrollment deadline for admission. Provides that after a school's deadline, any other children with hearing, visual, or orthopedic
impairments may enroll if the school determines it has sufficient resources. Proposed law revises
enrollment procedures by requiring these schools, upon parental request, to enroll students with low
incidence disabilities and students eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
requiring special education services upon their admission into state facilities in which the SSD
provides special education services.
Transition
Proposed law provides for the transition to begin on July 1, 2021, for the governor to appoint the
board members by July 15, 2021, and for the board to resume responsibility for providing for the
education of students on Aug. 1, 2021.
Proposed law provides that the district superintendent serving upon the effective date of proposed
law may continue to serve unless removed by the board.
Effective July 1, 2021.
(Amends R.S. 17:43(A) and (B)(1), 1945(A) and (B)(2), and 1946(A) and R.S. 36:648.1; Adds R.S.
17:1945.1 and 1945.2 and R.S. 36:651(D)(11))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Increase board membership from 9 to 11 by adding a member of BESE appointed by the
BESE president and an additional member appointed by the governor.