challenges faced by rural school systems impacted by economic downturn resulting
in decreased revenues and declining student populations and to submit a written
report of its findings and recommendations to the House Committee on Education
no later than January 31, 2020."
This Should Not Be Occurring, unless it is the result of a purposeful demise of rural, impoverished school systems. The public-at-large must assert itself into the conversation concerning these matters with all deliberate speed, as the Louisiana Legislature will convene March 9, 2020 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the State Capitol.
Hearings are necessary in the Committee that will consider these matters, with the public's response to the impact on the communities affected. There is much to be considered in a conservative leaning time such as this.
(from News reports)
"Six NELA school districts could be coming under one umbrella. Those are Morehouse, Madison, Union, Catahoula, East Carroll and Tensas Parishes.
The possibility of the merger has left Morehouse Parish Superintendent David Gray asking one question.
“What does this mean for the people that work in the school districts every single day?”
Gray said he first heard the news last week at the Louisiana School Board Association conference.
During the regular legislative session last year, the House Committees on Education requested the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education study the challenges facing rural school systems. This was filed under House Resolution 228.
Some of those challenges included shrinking school populations, high transportation costs and minimal opportunities for increasing local tax revenues.
The Louisiana Department of Education responded to HR 228 with its own findings and possible solutions.
The LDOE reports that the six NELA school districts are facing financial challenges including “loss of local tax revenues due to the loss of local business.” In addition, they report a decline in student populations and state MFP funds. Ultimately, the report said the schools are at risk of a financial crisis.
The report includes possible solutions including a shared services structure and establishing a support center for the districts. Additionally, the districts would have to create a board to hire an executive director, business manager and procurement professional. Those individuals would then be responsible for overseeing expenses.
Gray said right now it’s a fear of the unknown, but he’s hoping he can gather suggestions for the good of the school system.
“[We] certainly believe that local autonomy is best and we’re going to bring the community with us and get them the answers that they absolutely need,” he said.
Gray also said that this wouldn’t be an overnight decision, in fact, the details, planning and final decision would have to be discussed during this year’s legislative session in Baton Rouge.
All members of the House Education Committee
and their contact information can be accessed here.
Louisiana House Representatives
The Legislators for the Parishes that maybe affected can be accessed on the Legislature's website.
Union Parish - Christopher Turner
Tensas Parish - Neil Riser & C. Travis Johnson
Madison Parish-C. Travis Johnson & Francis C. Thompson
Morehouse- Francis C. Thompson , Frederick Douglas Jones & Michael Charles Echols
East Carroll - C. Travis Johnson & Francis C. Thompson
Catahoula - C. Travis Johnson & Neil Riser
Contact the above Representatives to voice your opinion on this ongoing matter.
Every contact made carries clout and impact on this problem.
State Senators information & contact may be accessed here.
State Senator
Union Parish
Stewart Cathey, Jr.
also a portion of Morehouse
Catahoula
Glen Womack
Morehouse
Katrina Jackson & Stewart Cathy, Jr.
East Carroll
Katrina Jackson
Tensas Parish
Katrina Jackson
Madison
Katrina Jackson
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