Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB242

Introduced
3/29/17  
Refer
3/29/17  
Refer
4/10/17  
Refer
4/10/17  
Report Pass
5/10/17  
Report Pass
5/10/17  
Engrossed
5/17/17  
Refer
5/18/17  
Refer
5/18/17  
Report Pass
5/30/17  
Report Pass
5/30/17  
Enrolled
6/4/17  
Enrolled
6/4/17  
Chaptered
6/14/17  
Passed
6/14/17  

Caption

Requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and local public school boards to send certain information relative to independent evaluations of charter proposals to charter applicants

Impact

The passage of HB 242 would have a significant impact on how charter schools are authorized in Louisiana. By formalizing the requirement for third-party evaluations and timely communication of these assessments, the bill seeks to standardize the charter application process. This could lead to more standardized practices among local school boards in handling charter proposals, making it easier for applicants to understand the evaluation criteria and improve their submissions accordingly. Furthermore, this could foster higher quality charter proposals as evaluators will bring educational, organizational, legal, and financial expertise to the evaluation process.

Summary

House Bill 242 focuses on reforming the charter school application and evaluation process in Louisiana. The bill mandates that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and local school boards must provide certain information to charter applicants regarding third-party evaluations of their proposals. This includes the requirement to send the final evaluation and any recommendations from independent evaluators to the applicants no later than five business days before a meeting where the charter proposal will be discussed. The aim is to enhance transparency and ensure charter applicants are well-informed prior to evaluations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 242 appears to be supportive from those who advocate for improved accountability and transparency in the charter school system. Supporters argue that by implementing a thorough evaluation process, the quality of charter schools could improve, leading to better educational outcomes for students. However, there may be some apprehension among proponents of local control over education, as state mandates could be perceived as limiting local school boards' autonomy in making decisions specific to their communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between state oversight and local governance. While proponents of HB 242 highlight the necessity of an independent evaluation process to support the rigorous review of charter applications, some critics may view it as an encroachment on the authority of local school boards. There can be concerns regarding whether standardizing the evaluation process will adequately address local educational needs or if it will impose a one-size-fits-all solution to charter school regulation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB674

Provides for considerations of chartering authorities in reviewing charter proposals and of the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education in entering into proposed charters, reviewing proposed charter authorizers, and recruiting chartering groups

LA HB239

Requires certain charter school information to be submitted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and ceases authorization of charter schools pending certification of such information

LA HB662

Provides relative to notification provided by the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education to charter applicants upon the denial of charter proposals

LA HB78

Authorizes initial proposals for charter schools with corporate partners to be made to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as Type 2 charter school proposals (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

LA HB21

Prohibits the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from authorizing charter schools under certain circumstances

LA HB451

Requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to consider the potential fiscal impact on the local school system when reviewing a Type 2 charter school proposal

LA HB703

Prohibits the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from authorizing charter schools under certain circumstances (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

LA HB570

Provides relative to charter schools

LA SB485

Provides relative to the provision of special education and related services in charter schools. (8/15/10)

LA SB1006

Modifies provisions relating to charter schools and the assessment of public elementary and secondary schools

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.