Requests that the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and Board of Regents study and report relative to changes needed for community and technical colleges in response to COVID-19
Impact
The resolution mandates a comprehensive study by the two boards to recommend necessary changes that could improve the delivery of educational services within the LCTCS. This includes considerations for minimizing administrative costs while expanding access to education and ensuring that no campuses are closed. The ultimate goal is to leverage any potential savings from new operational efficiencies to further support the educational mission of these institutions, particularly in a time when there is a growing demand for online educational resources.
Summary
House Resolution 52 urges the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and the Board of Regents in Louisiana to evaluate the required academic, operational, structural, and technological changes needed for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. As the landscape of education has shifted significantly during the pandemic, this resolution highlights the urgent need for the state to adapt its educational strategies to maintain its role in workforce development and economic stimulation.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HR52 appears to be largely proactive and supportive. Legislators recognize the need to respond strategically to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and see this resolution as a pivotal step toward preserving the educational infrastructure of Louisiana. While there were no prominent vocal oppositions noted, the resolution underscores a shared consensus on the importance of adapting educational strategies to meet new workforce demands.
Contention
While the resolution is framed positively, there are underlying contentions regarding the best approach to implement these changes. The challenge lies in balancing the need for technological advancements with the essential requirement of ensuring equitable access to education, especially for students in rural areas. Additionally, how the boards will utilize any monetary savings from these improvements could also become a point of discussion in future legislative sessions, particularly in how these funds are allocated towards enhancing educational opportunities.
Requests that the Board of Regents, in consultation with the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, study the feasibility of offering community college services in Livingston Parish
Requests the Bd. of Regents and the Bd. of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges jointly to study offering community college services to the Greater St. Mary Parish Area
Requests that the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges report on the status of the reconstruction and reeopening of the Sidney N. Collier Technical Division site of Delgado Community College
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges to study the availability of and need for vocational education programs for high school students