Louisiana Senate Bill SB712

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/19/10
• Refer: 4/19/10
• Report Pass: 5/3/10
• Engrossed: 5/10/10
• Refer: 5/11/10
• Report Pass: 5/25/10
• Enrolled: 6/16/10
• Chaptered: 6/25/10
• Passed: 6/25/10

Caption

Authorizes the LCTCS board to create a Centers of Excellence Program. (8/15/10) (EN SEE FISC NOTE OF EX See Note)

Impact

The introduction of SB 712 is expected to have a significant positive impact on state laws related to education and workforce development. By creating a program that emphasizes collaborations between educational institutions and private industry, the bill seeks to address skills gaps within the local labor market. This initiative is particularly important for industries facing high workforce training demands, as it will facilitate the development of relevant training programs that can lead to better employment opportunities for residents.

Summary

Senate Bill 712 aims to enhance workforce training in Louisiana by authorizing the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges to establish a Centers of Excellence Program. This program is designed to provide tailored educational and training programs in alignment with the specific needs identified by local businesses and industries. With a focus on real-time market responsiveness, the Centers of Excellence may adapt their curriculum, admissions, and fee structures to better serve the workforce demands of the state.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around SB 712 appears to be positive, especially among stakeholders in the business community, who see this as a valuable opportunity to influence educational training directly. However, there may be concerns regarding the funding and operational aspects of the Centers, particularly how they will utilize private support while maintaining educational standards. Legislators and community members recognize the potential benefits of creating agile educational programs but may question the viability of such a model without strong oversight and adequate resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the reliance on private sector support, including potential challenges in generating sufficient funding or the provision of necessary resources to operate effectively. Members of the advisory board will not be compensated with public funds, raising concerns about equitable representation from diverse industry sectors. Additionally, the flexibility in establishing tuition and fee structure may create disparities in access to these programs, particularly for low-income students. The effectiveness of the program and its alignment with educational equity will be critical areas of focus during its implementation.