Louisiana House Bill HB276

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14

Caption

Makes the office of state superintendent of education an elective rather than an appointed office (OR -$80,000 GF EX See Note)

Impact

If enacted, the bill will significantly alter the governance of public elementary and secondary education in Louisiana. The current structure, wherein the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) appoints the superintendent, will give way to a system aimed at direct voter influence. This legislative shift suggests a movement towards greater public engagement in educational leadership and a potential re-evaluation of educational policies based on campaign platforms put forth by candidates for the office. Critics may argue that this could lead to the politicization of educational policy, diverting focus from professional expertise in educational administration.

Summary

House Bill 276 proposes to transition the role of the state superintendent of education from an appointed position to an elected one. By mandating that the general public elect the superintendent beginning with the statewide elections in 2015, the bill aims to enhance accountability and responsiveness to the electorate. This change is designed to ensure that the superintendent reflects the will of the voters and can be held directly responsible for educational policies and governance in Louisiana. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the superintendent's salary will align with that of other statewide elected officials, ensuring parity in compensation for similar roles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 276 appears to be divided among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that an elected superintendent will be more accountable to the public and more in tune with local educational needs. They view this as a progressive move towards democracy in education, empowering parents and communities. Conversely, opponents express concerns regarding the potential impact on the long-term stability and quality of educational leadership, fearing that elections may introduce more partisan politics into education and undermine the professional integrity required for such a critical position.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the qualifications required for the state superintendent, which are proposed to be standardized, aligning with those necessary for other statewide elected officials. Critics may worry that this could limit the pool of candidates to those with purely political backgrounds rather than those with strong educational expertise or experience. Furthermore, the timing of the implementation raises questions about how transitional processes will be managed, particularly if the current appointed superintendent has institutional knowledge and ongoing projects that could be disrupted.