Louisiana Senate Bill SR98

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/11
• Passed: 6/15/11

Caption

Requests the Board of Regents and LCTCS to study the feasibility of merging Acadiana Technical College and South Louisiana Community College.

Impact

Should the feasibility study suggest that a merger is advantageous, the implications for state laws and educational policy could be substantial. This bill aligns with existing constitutional responsibilities outlined in Louisiana's Article VIII, which provides guidelines for the establishment and merging of postsecondary institutions. By mandating a study, the resolution emphasizes thoughtful consideration of how such changes could improve service delivery to students and better meet regional workforce demands, which could pave the way for legislative action following the study's findings.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 98, introduced by Senator Michot, urges the Board of Regents and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) to examine the feasibility of merging Acadiana Technical College and South Louisiana Community College. This initiative aims to adequately address the educational and economic needs of the greater Lafayette area by potentially streamlining operations and enhancing educational offerings through the combined resources and capabilities of the two institutions. The proposal reflects a strategic approach to improving workforce development in a region identified as underserved in terms of educational services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Senate Resolution No. 98 appears generally positive, with a focus on the potential benefits of combining resources to enhance educational opportunities for students in the Lafayette area. Stakeholders likely view the merger as a way to ensure more robust and comprehensive educational offerings, thus fostering greater workforce readiness amidst evolving market demands. However, the resolution does not delve deeply into potential criticisms or concerns regarding the impacts of merging institutions, indicating a consensus on the perceived necessity of addressing educational gaps.

Contention

While the resolution primarily calls for a study without taking a definitive stance on the merger itself, it opens the floor for debates surrounding the consolidation of educational institutions. Potential points of contention may arise regarding the administration of the newly formed entity, the redundancy of programs offered, and whether the merger would adequately serve the broad range of educational needs specific to the local population. Furthermore, concerns could be raised about the balance of power and resources between the two colleges, ensuring that the merger does not disproportionately favor one institution over the other.