Requests that the state Department of Education study school safety issues and submit a written report to the House Committee on Education
Impact
If passed, HR218 would require local school boards and charter schools to fully cooperate with the state's study on school safety. The study is expected to evaluate current safety measures and compliance with state laws that mandate each school to prepare crisis management plans, conduct safety drills, and cooperate with local law enforcement agencies. The results of this study could lead to further legislative recommendations and potentially new laws aimed at improving school safety protocols across Louisiana.
Summary
HR218 encourages the Louisiana Department of Education to conduct a comprehensive study on school safety issues, aiming to gather detailed insights from local public school systems and charter schools. The resolution emphasizes the importance of school safety in light of recent violent incidents and mandates that the Department of Education report findings and recommendations back to the House Committee on Education by a specific deadline ahead of the 2023 Regular Session. The bill reinforces existing laws surrounding the preparation and review of school crisis management and response plans.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding HR218 appears supportive, as it aims to enhance school safety which is a significant concern for both legislators and communities. Supporters of the bill generally view it as a proactive measure to ensure that safety standards are evaluated and upgraded in response to growing violence in schools. However, potential criticism could arise from concerns regarding the additional burdens placed on local school boards and the efficacy of the proposed measures.
Contention
While HR218 seeks to unify safety efforts, it could also provoke conversations about local autonomy in managing school safety. Depending on how the study's findings are received and the recommendations that follow, there might be pushback from local authorities who prefer to maintain operational control over their safety measures without state intervention. As the bill calls for cooperative compliance, it could lead to disparities in how different communities implement the findings, highlighting the tension between state oversight and local governance.
Requests that the state Department of Education create a task force to research family and parent engagement in education and to submit a written report to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the House Education Committee by December 31, 2025
Requests that the state Department of Education study and submit a report relative to transparency in education with respect to parental access to instructional materials
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study issues relative to the implementation of the Course Choice Program and submit a report to the House and Senate education committees by Sept. 30, 2013
Requests that the state Dept. of Education include school-level and system-level data in annual report of status of health and physical education in public schools and that schools and school governing authorities respond to the department's survey relative to such report