Provides for payment of supplemental compensation from nonpublic sources for certain personnel at the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. (8/1/20)
Impact
If enacted, SB155 would clarify the legal status of supplemental compensation from nonpublic sources, ensuring that such payments are deemed as an allowable part of the employees' remuneration, but will not count as regular compensation from governmental employers. This modification in the law attempts to balance the financial needs of the educational institution with the constraints of governmental ethics regulations related to public employee remuneration.
Summary
Senate Bill 155 seeks to amend existing statutes concerning compensation for members of the faculty, administration, or staff at the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. The bill specifically allows for supplemental compensation to be provided from nonpublic sources, thereby enabling the institution to enhance its ability to attract and retain talented educators and staff. This change aims to address competitive compensation challenges faced by the school, situated in a specialized educational field.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB155 appears to be largely positive, particularly among supporters who recognize the need for flexible compensation strategies in specialized education environments. The bill's proponents believe that enabling supplemental compensation could improve staffing at the school, thus enhancing educational outcomes. However, it may also generate some concerns regarding ethics and transparency in the use of nonpublic funds to supplement salaries in public institutions.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the sourcing of supplemental compensation and the implications it could have for taxpayer accountability and transparency. The potential for varying degrees of supplemental pay could raise questions about equity among staff and the influence of nonpublic entities on public education. The necessity for clear guidelines and regulations pertaining to these supplemental funds will be crucial to address any ethical dilemmas that may emerge.
Renames the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts as the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the salary schedule for employees of the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) and for the funding of these salaries (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Requests that the board of directors of the La. School of Math, Science, and the Arts commission a bust or statue of Jimmy D. Long, Sr., for placement on campus in commemoration of his significant contributions
Transfers the La. Special Education Center from the Special School District to the Louisiana Department of Health and renames the center. (gov sig) (EN -$75,648 SD RV See Note)
Permits supplemental salary or benefits for the executive director of the New Orleans Public Library from a private foundation that supports the library