Louisiana Senate Bill SB267

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/13/15
• Report Pass: 4/20/15
• Engrossed: 4/28/15
• Refer: 4/29/15
• Report Pass: 5/20/15
• Enrolled: 6/10/15
• Chaptered: 7/1/15
• Passed: 7/1/15

Caption

Provides relative to charter school funding and enrollment of at-risk students. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

Impact

The enactment of SB 267 is expected to have a substantial impact on the landscape of charter school funding in Louisiana. By formalizing the per-pupil funding calculations and emphasizing the enrollment of at-risk students, the bill aligns charter schools more closely with traditional public school funding mechanisms. This change may encourage greater accountability and transparency in how charter schools operate and how they are funded, potentially fostering a more equitable educational environment across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 267 focuses on the funding and enrollment criteria for charter schools in Louisiana, particularly those classified as Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. The bill establishes criteria for calculating the per-pupil funding based on the minimum foundation program formula, which considers student characteristics and needs. It underscores the importance of ensuring that charter schools maintain a significant percentage of at-risk students, which is defined as those eligible for the federal free and reduced lunch program. The aim is to address educational equity by requiring these schools to enroll a similar proportion of at-risk students as their local public school counterparts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 267 is generally supportive, particularly among advocates for equitable education and those concerned with the performance of charter schools. Supporters argue that this legislation could enhance access to quality education for underprivileged communities. However, there are concerns regarding implementation, particularly about how effectively the state board will enforce the funding and enrollment criteria, which could be a point of contention among various stakeholders in the education sector.

Contention

Despite its supportive sentiments, SB 267 faces criticism and challenges regarding its enforcement and impact on existing charter schools. Some charter school operators fear potential limitations on their operational flexibility due to the new requirements imposed by the bill, while others worry that the focus on at-risk enrollment might detract from their autonomy. The success of SB 267 will largely depend on the state board’s capacity to monitor compliance and ensure that the objectives of the bill are met without imposing undue burdens on charter schools.