Louisiana House Bill HB942

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/22
• Refer: 4/5/22

Caption

Exempts certain school board members from annual training and instruction requirements

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend existing requirements under R.S. 17:53(A)(2) of Louisiana law, which mandates that all school board members undergo at least six hours of training each year concerning their roles and responsibilities. The targeted exemption is intended to streamline administrative processes and recognize the expertise gained by long-serving members, albeit primarily within smaller parishes.

Summary

House Bill 942 aims to exempt certain school board members in Louisiana from the requirement of completing annual training and instruction. The bill specifically targets long-serving members who have been on a parish school board for over twelve years and reside in parishes with populations between 10,500 and 12,500. The bill's premise is based on the belief that extensive experience in educational governance may obviate the need for periodic instruction that new members require.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 942 appears to be mixed among legislative members and the public. Proponents argue that the bill respects the experience of long-serving board members and reduces unnecessary training burdens. However, opponents express concerns that such exemptions could lead to a decline in overall educational governance standards. They argue that continuous training is vital, regardless of tenure, to keep board members updated on shifting educational policies and practices.

Contention

The central point of contention regarding HB 942 is whether extensive tenure should equate to exemption from training requirements. Critics worry that without regular training, even experienced board members may become out of touch with current educational laws and best practices. Additionally, this raises questions about maintaining consistent educational engagement standards across varying demographics of school boards in different parishes.