Authorizes local school boards to provide transportation to certain students attending certain technical colleges. (8/1/12) (EG1 INCREASE LF See Note)
Impact
The passage of SB594 is expected to significantly affect the landscape of technical education in Louisiana by making it easier for students to obtain necessary transportation to attend classes. By providing transportation options, the bill seeks to reduce barriers for students who may otherwise face challenges in reaching educational institutions, particularly for those living in remote areas with limited transport options. The ability for school boards to assess a fee for this transportation service, capped at the actual cost, also introduces a self-sustaining model for funding these services.
Summary
SB594 is a bill that allows local public school boards in Louisiana to provide transportation for full-time students who are 20 years old or younger and attending technical colleges that are part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. The bill empowers these school boards to facilitate transportation, even coordinating with neighboring boards if the closest technical college is outside their jurisdictional boundaries. This initiative is aimed at improving access to education for students pursuing technical degrees or certifications.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB594 is largely positive among educational advocates and local school officials who view it as a step forward in increasing the accessibility of technical education. However, there are concerns and discussions regarding the financial implications for families due to the potential fees associated with this transportation. Overall, the bill seems to be welcomed as a means to support students while also raising questions about the financial responsibilities placed on school boards and families.
Contention
A notable point of contention in the discussion of SB594 pertains to the provision allowing certain parishes, specifically those with populations over 300,000 or those with sufficient public transit systems, to be exempt from providing these transportation services. This raises questions regarding equity and the differing educational support available to students in urban versus rural areas. Such provisions may lead to disparities in access to technical education, thereby sparking debate on how best to support all students across the state.
Provides relative to school choice, including the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions to transfer certain schools to be RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers. (gov sig) (EG INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions for certain schools to be transferred to the RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to a disciplinarian or other school administrator to ride on a school bus transporting students to and from school. (gov sig) (RE INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Requires local public school boards to provide transportation to certain students in BESE-approved alternative education programs for suspended or expelled students (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Requires BESE to transfer MFP funds to entities providing instruction to certain students preparing to take the General Education Development test. (8/1/12)