La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3351 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3351
General powers, duties, and functions of postsecondary education management boards
Status: in_force

A. Subject only to the powers of the Board of Regents specifically enumerated in Article VIII, Section 5 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and as otherwise provided by law, each postsecondary system management board as a body corporate shall have authority to exercise power necessary to supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of institutions of postsecondary education under its control, including but not limited to the following:

(1) Sue and be sued, including the right to recover all debts owing to the board or any university or college under its management, and to retain legal counsel therefor.

(2) Actively seek and accept donations, bequests, or other forms of financial assistance for educational purposes from any public or private person or agency and to comply with rules and regulations governing grants from the federal government or any other person or agency which are not in contravention of the constitution and laws.

(3)(a) Receive and expend or allocate for expenditure to the institutions under its jurisdiction all monies appropriated or otherwise made available for purposes of the board or the institutions under its jurisdiction according to the master plan for postsecondary education, the funding formula adopted by the Board of Regents, and, except as otherwise provided in the general or a supplemental appropriations bill, the Board of Regents' budget recommendations.

(b)(i) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, each board may redirect an amount not to exceed five percent of the allocation specified by the formula for each institution under its control to address specific issues that might arise during the budget allocation process.

(ii) An amount greater than five percent of the allocation specified by the formula for each institution may be redirected in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation, as certified by the Board of Regents and approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

(4) Borrow money and issue notes, bonds or certificates of indebtedness for the same and pledge fees, rents and revenues to guarantee payment thereof, in accordance with law and with approval of the State Bond Commission.

(5)(a)(i) In accordance with any other applicable provision of this Paragraph, determine the tuition and mandatory fees which shall be paid by students and adjust the amount of tuition and fees as provided in this Subparagraph.

(ii) Payments to cover or a waiver of any mandatory fee imposed in accordance with this Title except for tuition shall be included in the compensation package of each graduate student serving as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or curatorial assistant. Each public postsecondary education management board shall adopt a policy relative to implementing the provisions of this Item.

(iii) Each management board may establish differential tuition for any graduate, professional, or specialized program. Each management board may establish differential tuition for any undergraduate program, including but not limited to programs granting certificates, degrees, diplomas, or other credentials of value, that has been identified as a high-cost program by the Board of Regents.

(iv) Each management board may establish mandatory fee amounts for all programs at each of the institutions under its supervision and control and consolidate separate fees.

(v) Each management board may increase differential tuition amounts and mandatory fee amounts by no more than ten percent over any two-year period. Each management board may lower tuition and fee amounts with no limitation. The authority to establish tuition and fee amounts as provided in this Subparagraph includes the authority to establish tuition and fee amounts proportional to the amounts for part-time students and for students enrolled in summer and intersession terms.

(vi) Each management board shall establish a process for providing adequate notice to students of tuition and fee amounts. Prior to imposing any increase in tuition or fee amounts pursuant to this Subparagraph, each management board shall establish criteria for waivers in cases of financial hardship. Information about such waivers shall be made available to all prospective students affected by the increase in a timely manner, so they are aware of the increase and the availability of waivers prior to having to make any final decision concerning attendance.

(vii) Awards of scholarships or waivers of tuition or fees shall be included in the information package of any student awarded such scholarship or waiver and the compensation package of each graduate student serving as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or curatorial assistant.

(viii) Each management board shall submit a written report to the Board of Regents, the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Senate Committee on Finance not later than February fifteenth annually regarding how the tuition and mandatory fees authorized by this Subparagraph are being implemented at each institution under its supervision and management.

(b)(i) In accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana, each management board also shall have authority to establish tuition and mandatory attendance fee amounts applicable to nonresident students at an institution under its supervision and management.

(ii) In accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, the Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, and the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, respectively, also shall have authority to make a total increase in the tuition amount applicable to resident students at an institution under its supervision and management such that the tuition amount for an academic year shall not exceed the amount in effect on June 28, 2000, by more than two hundred fifty dollars.

(iii)(aa) In accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges also shall have authority to make a total increase in the tuition amount applicable to resident students at an institution under its supervision and management such that the tuition amount for an academic year, or comparable period of time for Louisiana Technical College, shall not exceed the amount in effect on June 28, 2000, by more than two hundred fifty dollars nor by more than one hundred dollars at Louisiana Technical College.

(bb) Notwithstanding the limitation provided in Subitem (aa) of this Item or any authority provided to the board by this Subparagraph and in accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana, tuition and mandatory attendance fee amounts established by the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and applicable to students enrolled in L. E. Fletcher Technical-Community College and Sowela Technical-Community College may be increased but shall not exceed the median amount of tuition and mandatory attendance fees applicable to students enrolled in other Louisiana public colleges and universities offering academic undergraduate degrees at the associate degree level but not baccalaureate degrees. The Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges shall report in writing to the House and Senate Committees on Education by not later than sixty days prior to the beginning of each regular legislative session on the purposes for which monies received from the tuition increase authorized by this Subitem have been expended.

(cc)(I) Notwithstanding the limitation provided by Subitem (aa) of this Item or any authority provided to the board by this Subparagraph and in accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges is authorized to increase the tuition amount and the mandatory fee amount applicable to resident students at community and at technical-community colleges under its supervision and management provided the total combined tuition and mandatory fee amounts for an academic year do not exceed the highest total combined tuition and mandatory fee amounts in effect for such students on July 1, 2011. Increases in tuition and mandatory fee amounts pursuant to this Subsubitem shall be effective beginning with the fall semester of the 2011-2012 academic year and continuing thereafter. Additionally, the board may provide for the uniform imposition of tuition and mandatory fee amounts for students at community and at technical-community colleges under its supervision and management on a per-credit-hour basis; however, total amounts charged on a per-credit-hour basis shall not exceed the maximum amounts for full-time status otherwise authorized by this Subsubitem.

(II) Notwithstanding the limitation provided by Subitem (aa) of this Item or any authority provided to the board by this Subparagraph and in accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges is authorized to increase the tuition amount and the mandatory fee amount applicable to resident students at the Louisiana Technical College provided the total combined tuition and mandatory fee amounts do not exceed two thousand dollars for an academic year or comparable period of time. Any increase in amounts shall be implemented in such a manner that one-third of the increase shall be effective beginning with the fall semester of the 2011-2012 academic year and continuing thereafter, an additional one-third shall be effective beginning with the fall semester of the 2012-2013 academic year and continuing thereafter, and the final one-third shall be effective beginning with the fall semester of the 2013-2014 academic year and continuing thereafter. Additionally, the board may provide for the uniform imposition of tuition and mandatory fee amounts for students at the Louisiana Technical College on a per-credit-hour basis; however, total amounts charged on a per-credit-hour basis shall not exceed the maximum amounts for full-time status otherwise authorized by this Subsubitem.

(iv) No increase in tuition or mandatory attendance fee amounts established pursuant to the provisions of this Subparagraph shall affect tuition for any joint apprenticeship program.

(v) Prior to imposing any increase or increases in tuition or mandatory attendance fee amounts, or both, established pursuant to the provisions of this Subparagraph, each management board shall establish criteria for waivers of such increase or increases in cases of financial hardship. Information about such waivers and the criteria and procedures for obtaining a waiver shall be made available to all prospective students affected by the increase or increases in a timely manner such that the prospective student can be aware of the increase or increases and the availability of waivers thereto prior to the student having to make any final decision concerning attendance at the college or university.

(vi) The authority granted each management board by this Subparagraph to establish tuition and mandatory attendance fee amounts shall include the authority to establish proportional amounts applicable to part-time students and to students enrolled for summer terms and for intersession terms.

(vii) In accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana and in addition to any other authority provided by this Subparagraph, each management board may establish tuition and mandatory attendance fee amounts applicable to resident students at an institution under its supervision and management and, effective January 1, 2002, may adjust such tuition and mandatory fee amounts not to exceed a rate of increase of three percent annually, subject to the approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. The authority granted by the provisions of this Item shall terminate July 1, 2005.

(c)(i) The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System is authorized to establish the tuition amounts and other fees and charges applicable to students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe to be consistent with tuition amounts and other fees charged to students in Doctor of Pharmacy programs in states comprising the Southern Regional Education Board.

(ii) The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System is authorized to establish the tuition amounts and other fees and charges applicable to students enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe to be consistent with tuition amounts and other fees charged to students in Doctor of Physical Therapy programs in states comprising the Southern Regional Education Board.

(d)(i) In accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana, each management board may provide for the assessment of an operational fee at each institution under its management and supervision in an amount not to exceed four percent of the total mandatory tuition and fee amount in effect for each institution on August 15, 2004.

(ii) The authority granted each management board by this Subparagraph to impose an operational fee shall include the authority to establish proportional amounts applicable to part-time students and to students enrolled for summer and intersession terms.

(iii) The fee shall not be a cost that is payable by the state on behalf of any student who is a recipient of an award under the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students.

(iv) The fee shall be in addition to any other tuition or attendance fees and charges established by the board, and the fee shall be paid by all students. However, the boards shall establish criteria for waiving the fee in cases of financial hardship as determined by each board. Information relative to such waivers and the criteria and procedures for obtaining a waiver shall be made available to all prospective students in a timely manner such that each student is informed of the availability of a waiver prior to the student making a final decision concerning attendance at any institution under the management and supervision of the board.

(v) At any postsecondary institution, any excess of revenue resulting from the imposition of an operational fee as authorized in this Subparagraph over mandated costs applicable to the institution in any fiscal year shall be used by the institution solely for the enhancement of any instructional programs and may not be used to pay the salary of any university or university system administrator as is provided for the use of the academic excellence fee.

(e)(i) In accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1(A) of the Constitution of Louisiana and in addition to any other authority provided by this Paragraph, each management board may establish tuition and mandatory attendance fee amounts applicable to resident students at an institution under its supervision and management and, effective July 1, 2008, may adjust such tuition and mandatory fee amounts at a rate not to exceed three percent annually if the tuition and mandatory fee amount in effect for the institution is ten percent or less below the average or median tuition and mandatory fee amount of the institution's peers, at a rate not to exceed four percent annually if the tuition and mandatory fee amount in effect for the institution is more than ten percent but less than twenty percent below the average or median tuition and mandatory fee amount of the institution's peers, or at a rate not to exceed five percent annually if the tuition and mandatory fee amount in effect for the institution is twenty percent or more below the average or median tuition and mandatory fee amount of the institution's peers. The Board of Regents shall establish guidelines on the use of data available from the Southern Regional Education Board and other national sources in determining appropriate institution peers and peer average or median tuition and mandatory fee rates. Such guidelines shall be adopted after consultation and coordination with the management boards. The authority to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts granted by the provisions of this Subparagraph shall be applicable for the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 academic years only and shall terminate June 30, 2012. Beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year, the authority to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts granted by the provisions of this Subparagraph shall be subject to the approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

(ii) The authority granted each management board by this Subparagraph to establish tuition and mandatory fee amounts shall include the authority to establish proportional amounts applicable to part-time students and to students enrolled for summer and intersession terms.

(iii) Prior to imposing any increase or increases in tuition or mandatory attendance fee amounts, or both, established pursuant to the provisions of this Subparagraph, each management board shall establish criteria for waivers of such increase or increases in cases of financial hardship. Information about such waivers and the criteria and procedures for obtaining a waiver shall be made available to all prospective students affected by the increase or increases in a timely manner such that the prospective student can be aware of the increase or increases and the availability of waivers prior to the student making any final decision concerning attendance at the college or university.

(6) Purchase land and purchase or construct buildings necessary for the use of the university system, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents and in accordance with applicable laws.

(7) Purchase equipment, properly maintain and make improvements to facilities necessary for the use of the university system, in accordance with applicable laws.

(8) Lease land or other property belonging to it or to any college or university within its system, in accordance with law.

(9) Sell, transfer or exchange land or other property not needed for university purposes, in accordance with law.

(10) Employ or approve the employment, fix or approve the salaries, and fix or approve the duties and functions of personnel for the board and the university system in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any increase in salary for an administrator of any public college or university or of any postsecondary education management board shall comply with the administrative salary policy guidelines adopted by the Board of Regents.

(11) Review and approve curricula, programs of study, departments of instruction, divisions, or similar subdivisions established by the faculties of the university system and forward such curricula, programs of study, departments of instruction, divisions, or similar subdivisions to the Board of Regents for final approval.

(12) Adopt, amend or repeal rules and regulations necessary or proper for the business of the board and for the government of the colleges and universities comprising its system and for promoting their purposes.

(13) Adopt, amend or repeal rules and regulations for the government and discipline of students.

(14) Affiliate with any institution giving any special course of instruction, upon such terms as the board deems expedient, which terms may include the retention by such institution of the control of property, faculty and staff.

(15) Award certificates, confer degrees and issue diplomas certifying the same.

(16) Enter into contracts and agreements with other public agencies with respect to cooperative enterprises and undertakings relating to or associated with college or university purposes and programs, in accordance with applicable laws.

(17) Adopt academic calendars, which shall, among other things, make provision for an appropriate and reasonable number of days during which academic teaching personnel may, with necessary approval of appropriate university officials, be permitted to be absent from their duty posts; the time herein provided for shall be in lieu of annual leave granted unclassified state employees by R.S. 42:421. Provided, however, when an academic teaching employee covered by this Act retires, or whenever any such employee dies before retirement and while holding membership in any retirement system to which the state contributes in whole or in part, leaving a surviving spouse or dependent or both, who are entitled to benefits from the retirement system, the unused days shall be added to the employee's membership service in the same manner and to the same extent as if the employee had continued in state service until the time such number of unused days have elapsed, dating from the date of the employee's death.

(18) Perform such other functions as are necessary or incidental to the supervision and management of the university system it supervises and manages.

B. In addition to the powers and duties vested by Subsection A of this Section and any other applicable laws, each board, as soon as practicable, shall adopt:

(1) Bylaws setting forth the respective rights, duties and responsibilities of the board, the various administrative officers, and the faculty. These bylaws shall be specific in fixing responsibility and in describing lines of authority, without being so detailed as to encumber the machinery of government with undue formality. These bylaws may provide appropriate rules under which they may be amended from time to time.

(2) Rules and regulations which may provide for:

(a) A method of obtaining expression of faculty opinion when appointments are to be made to the offices of president, or head of a college or university, chief academic officer of a college or university, deans, directors, and heads or chairmen of departments.

(b)(i) The establishment, award, and continuance of fellowships, scholarships, and all other forms of student aid. Such rules shall be so designed as to promote high standards of achievement and scholarship in the respective recipients and to insure the award and continuance of fellowships and scholarships solely upon the basis of merit, and other forms of student aid strictly upon the basis of necessity and merit.

(ii) Such rules and regulations may include the establishment, award, and continuance of tuition waivers to any student for purposes of gender equity who participates in an intercollegiate athletic program and who is pursuing an undergraduate degree provided that the student meets the academic standards and complies with the rules and regulations of the college or university such student is attending relative to requirements for attendance as a full-time student. The tuition waivers may be offered at any campus under the jurisdiction of each management board; however, no management board shall issue more than an aggregate of fifty tuition waivers per campus during an academic year and not more than fifty percent of such tuition waivers shall be issued to out-of-state residents.

(c) The administration of the various student loan funds and the granting and repayment of such loans. Each board shall withhold any academic and financial aid transcripts of students in default on the repayment of an obligation to the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission or its successor, until such time as release is authorized by the commission or its successor. Such release shall be dependent upon acceptable repayment arrangements being made by the defaulted student borrower. The rules and regulations adopted by each board to implement the provisions of this Subparagraph relative to the withholding of academic and financial aid transcripts shall include a due process procedure permitting a student, if the student desires, to appear before the board prior to any action withholding such student's transcript.

(d) It shall be the further duty of the board to employ the proceeds of all donations, grants, subscriptions and bequests to a university, or to any school, college or division, or in trust therefor, so as to effectuate the purposes and accord with the terms and conditions of such donations, grants, subscriptions and bequests.

(3) Policies and rules authorizing state colleges and universities to develop and conduct courses of study and curricula for inmates and personnel at state correctional institutions, pursuant to authorization by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The courses of study to be offered shall be developed by the college or university and approved by the governing board.

C.(1) In addition to any other powers and duties authorized by this Section, each board shall adopt, by not later than January 1, 1990, a policy requiring each institution under the supervision and management of that board to report, on at least a monthly basis, the numbers and types of reported criminal offenses occurring on property owned or under the control of the institution. Such report shall be made to the appropriate management board and shall be a public record. The form and content of such reports shall be prescribed by the management board but shall be such as to be acceptable for the purposes of compiling uniform crime reports. The report provided for by this Subsection shall be limited to those offenses included in Part I of the most recently published edition of the Uniform Crime Reports for the United States as printed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Justice.

(2) The policy also shall require each institution to publish in its catalog basic information about security procedures and practices maintained by the institution. Such information, to the extent not otherwise exempt by law from disclosure, shall include but need not be limited to the following:

(a) The enforcement authority and training requirements for campus police and other security personnel.

(b) The number of security personnel employed by type, including full-time, part-time, and supplemental personnel.

(c) Basic procedures for responding to emergencies or criminal actions and special services for the reporting of emergencies and criminal actions, such as the provision of an emergency telephone number for student and employee use.

(d) The administrative office responsible for security and campus police services.

(3) The policy also shall require each institution to develop and adopt written security rules, regulations, and procedures. Such rules, regulations, and procedures shall include but need not be limited to the following information:

(a) Procedures for responding to emergencies or criminal actions.

(b) Procedures for securing campus buildings and residence halls.

(c) Procedures for investigating violations of criminal statutes and university regulations.

(d) Procedures related to campus police and other security personnel activity within student housing.

(e) Rules and regulations governing the possession and use of firearms by campus police and other security personnel.

(f) Rules and regulations governing the possession and use of firearms on campus by employees, students, and visitors.

(g) Security considerations used in the construction, maintenance, groundskeeping, and lighting of campus buildings and grounds.

(h) Methods used to inform the campus community about security matters.

D. In addition to any other powers and duties authorized by this Section, each board shall adopt, by not later than January 1, 2004, a policy requiring each institution under the board's supervision and management to include as a part of any material made available by the institution to students and prospective students about any course offering at the institution a list of other Louisiana public colleges and universities that will recognize a student's successful completion of such course both for academic credit in general and for credit toward meeting degree program requirements at the other institutions.

E.(1) In addition to any other power, duty, or function authorized by this Section, each board shall adopt, by not later than January 1, 2012, a policy requiring each institution under the board's supervision and management to award educational credits to a student enrolled in the institution, who is also a veteran, for courses that are part of the student's military training or service and that meet the standards of the American Council on Education or equivalent standards for awarding academic credit if the award of educational credit is based upon the institution's admission standards and its role, scope, and mission.

(2) Each board shall adopt necessary rules, regulations, and procedures to implement the provisions of this Subsection, effective beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year and continuing thereafter.

(3) For the purposes of this Subsection, the word "veteran" means a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who has been released from military service under a condition other than dishonorable and who meets at least one of the following conditions:

(a) Has engaged in active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

(b) Is a member of the national guard or is a reserve enlistee called to active duty for purposes other than training.

(c) Was a cadet or midshipman at a United States Armed Forces service academy.

F. Each public postsecondary education management board shall annually conduct a review to identify any legislation that has been implemented and has been operational for at least six months in the prior year that affects the board or the institutions under its control and has a fiscal impact which has increased by the amount of one million dollars or more over the amount of the fiscal note as the bill was enacted. The analysis should also report the impact to the higher education institutions in terms of operations and personnel. Each management board shall compile the report and submit the report to the Board of Regents by September thirtieth of each year in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 17:3130(C). The report shall be in a manner as provided by R.S. 24:653(L)(2).

G. Each board may name buildings at institutions under its supervision and management in honor of living persons pursuant to a policy adopted by the board applicable to such actions. Such policy may include criteria to be used for the naming of buildings in honor of living persons. If the policy requires a monetary donation as a condition of naming buildings in honor of living persons, the policy shall require that such donation be made to an alumni association or a foundation that raises private funds for the support of the institution as provided in R.S. 17:3390.

H. Repealed by Acts 2019, No. 157, §2, eff. June 6, 2019.

I. In addition to any other powers and duties authorized by this Section, any board with an appropriation in the general appropriation bill of thirty million dollars or more shall establish an internal audit function and shall establish an office of the chief audit executive who shall be responsible for ensuring that the internal audit function adheres to the Institute of Internal Auditors, International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. The chief audit executive shall maintain organizational independence in accordance with these standards and shall have direct and unrestricted access to the management board. The chief audit executive shall annually certify to the management board that the internal audit function conforms to the Institute of Internal Auditors, International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.

J. Each public postsecondary education management board and the governing authority of each institution that is a member of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities shall ensure that a student identification card issued by a postsecondary education institution under its jurisdiction contains each required element for a generally recognized picture identification card specified in R.S. 18:562(A)(2)(a)(i) and 1309(D)(1)(a)(i). The identification card shall expire on the anticipated date of the student's graduation or program completion or on the date six years subsequent to the date the card is issued, whichever date occurs first.

K.(1) Each board shall adopt a policy requiring each institution under its supervision and management to develop plans for full use of existing facilities, including plans for distance learning.

(2) Each board shall adopt a policy requiring each institution under its supervision and management to annually report information on use of classroom and laboratory facilities. The report shall be submitted to the board and posted on the institution's website. Such information shall include:

(a) Total number of classrooms and laboratories available for instructional use and the number of those undergoing renovation.

(b) Total available square footage of instructional space and the amount of instructional space under renovation or being used for storage.

(c) Average weekly hours of instructional use of all campus classrooms and laboratories available for instruction, reported by day of the week and time of day, Monday through Saturday.

(d) Average percentage of seats or stations filled in all sections taught in campus classrooms and laboratories that are available for instruction, reported by day of the week and time of day, Monday through Saturday.

(e) The number of courses the institution currently offers online and plans for future development of online courses.

(f) The number of cooperative endeavors, partnerships, or other agreements the institution has entered into with another institution for the shared use of a facility, the extent to which such shared use has occurred, and any potential opportunities for shared use of facilities between institutions.

(3) Prior to the submission of any request for capital outlay funds appropriating an amount exceeding ten million dollars in state funds for construction of new facilities at an institution under its supervision and management, the board shall hold a public hearing on the proposed facility. The hearing shall include discussions of:

(a) Level and manner of use of existing campus facilities, using the metrics reported pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, for the preceding three-year period.

(b) Projected maintenance costs for the proposed building over its expected lifetime.

(c) Funding sources for the proposed building.

(d) Any potential opportunities for shared use of facilities between institutions.

(4) When submitting a request for capital outlay funds as provided in Paragraph (3) of this Subsection, the board shall include with the request a summary of the proceedings of the public hearing held pursuant to such Paragraph, and the information collected pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this Subsection.

L.(1) Each public postsecondary management board, in conjunction with the commissioner of higher education and the president of each public university and community college system, or his designee, shall adopt a policy requiring each institution under its supervision and management to address the prevention of unplanned pregnancies among unmarried students as part of an institution's freshman orientation activities.

(2)(a) As part of freshman orientation, each institution shall, as deemed appropriate, provide information to students that is recognized as medically accurate by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding the prevention of unplanned pregnancy including, without limitation, abstinence education.

(b) In no instance shall any information be disseminated regarding abortion methods, techniques, or providers, nor shall any student be directed to information or services provided by Planned Parenthood or any abortion provider.

(3) At its discretion, a public postsecondary institution may also:

(a) Identify opportunities to raise awareness of and provide information for the prevention of unplanned pregnancies across the entire student population.

(b) Identify opportunities for postsecondary students to serve as mentors or role models of successful behaviors and healthy choices for high school students.

(c) Identify public and private grants available to address the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and to promote student success, including any partnerships necessary to successfully compete for grants.

(d) Collaborate with community healthcare providers and federally qualified health centers to promote access to care.

(e) Identify challenges faced by students who are single parents, including child care, transportation, and financial aid, and identify possible methods to assist such students to successfully complete college.

(f) Identify other topics or issues related to the prevention and reduction of unplanned pregnancies among postsecondary students.

M. Each public postsecondary education management board shall adopt such policies as it considers necessary and prudent to address and minimize the negative impacts of the public health emergency declared by the governor in response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, upon the students, faculty, and employees of each institution under its management and supervision. Such policies may include, but not necessarily be limited to online and distance learning, student housing and food services, refund of tuition and fees as appropriate, faculty and employees working remotely, cancellation or postponement of campus events, commencement activities, and regular communication with students, faculty, and employees.

N.(1) Each board shall require each institution that is under its control and that receives education loan information for a student enrolled in the institution to provide information to that student in accordance with this Subsection.

(2) The institution shall provide the following annually:

(a) The total amount of education loans taken out by the student.

(b) The percentage of the borrowing limit the student has reached at the time the information is provided.

(c) Monthly repayment amounts that a similarly situated borrower may incur, including principal and interest, for the amount of education loans taken out by the student at the time the information is provided.

(3) The information provided may include a statement that the estimates and ranges provided are not a guarantee or promise of the actual or projected amount.

(4) An institution shall not be held liable for information provided pursuant to this Subsection.

(5) Nothing in this Subsection shall apply to private loans.

O.(1) Each board shall require each institution under its jurisdiction to display the national motto, "In God We Trust", in each classroom on the institution's campus. At a minimum, the national motto shall be displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least eleven inches by fourteen inches. The motto shall be the central focus of the poster or framed document and shall be printed in a large, easily readable font.

(2) This Subsection does not require a public postsecondary education management board or a public postsecondary education institution to spend its funds to purchase such displays. An institution or management board may spend its funds or donated funds to purchase such displays and may accept donated displays.

Acts 1975, No. 313, §2, eff. July 17, 1975; Acts 1988, No. 791, §1; Acts 1989, No. 543, §1, eff. July 5, 1989; Acts 1990, No. 808, §1; Acts 1995, No. 258, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1360, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, No. 1458, §1, eff. July 15, 1997; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 94, §2, eff. May 5, 1998; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 151, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2000, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 4, §1, eff. June 28, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 955, §1, eff. June 26, 2001; Acts 2001, No. 1117, §1, eff. June 28, 2001; Acts 2003, No. 383, §1, eff. June 18, 2003; Acts 2004, No. 288, §1, eff. June 15, 2004; Acts 2004, No. 788, §1, eff. July 8, 2004; Acts 2008, No. 652, §1, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2008, No. 915, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2010, No. 447, §1, eff. June 22, 2010; Acts 2011, No. 191, §1, eff. June 24, 2011; Acts 2011, No. 196, §1, eff. June 24, 2011; Acts 2013, No. 79, §1; Acts 2013, No. 96, §1, eff. July 1, 2013; Acts 2013, No. 220, §6, eff. June 11, 2013; Acts 2014, No. 454, §1, eff. July 1, 2016; Acts 2015, No. 98, §1; Acts 2015, No. 172, §1, eff. June 23, 2015; Acts 2015, No. 314, §1; Acts 2016, No. 401, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2019; Acts 2016, No. 455, §1; Acts 2016, No. 558, §1; Acts 2017, No. 97, §1; Acts 2017, No. 321, §1, eff. June 22, 2017; Acts 2019, No. 157, §2, eff. June 6, 2019; Acts 2020, No. 245, §1, eff. June 11, 2020; Acts 2020, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 19, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2023; Acts 2021, No. 413, §1; Acts 2022, No. 664, §1, eff. August 1, 2024; Acts 2023, No. 112, §1; Acts 2023, No. 264, §1; Acts 2024, No. 790, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3382 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3382
Teacher certification programs in instruction of elementary school French
Status: in_force

A. The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, and the Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College are hereby required to direct institutions under their control which presently offer teacher certification programs in the instruction of high school French, to similarly offer teacher certification programs in the instruction of elementary school French.

B. The provisions of Subsection A shall not be construed to prevent an institution from offering teacher certification in elementary school French even though said institution lacks a teacher certification program in high school French.

Added by Acts 1975, No. 313, §2, eff. July 17, 1975; Acts 2013, No. 220, §6, eff. June 11, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2276 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 2276
Records showing receipt and disposition of bodies
Status: in_force

The secretary of the board shall keep an accurate record of all bodies received by the board, showing the dates of receipt and distribution, or other disposition made of them, the sources from which received, and the educational institutions to which sent. This record shall be open to inspection by the members of the board and by the persons, or their authorized representatives, from whom the bodies were received.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3139.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3139.5
Tuition autonomy; operational autonomy contingent on audit findings
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, each institution that enters into a performance agreement shall be granted the authorities as provided in this Subsection.

(1) For the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year, pursuant to policies adopted by the institution's management board and in addition to the authority provided in R.S. 17:3351(A)(5)(e), the authority to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts by up to five percent annually.

(2) For the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year, if the Board of Regents has determined that the institution has met the short-term targets established in the performance agreement, in addition to the authority provided in R.S. 17:3351(A)(5)(e), the authority to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts by up to five percent annually.

(3) Beginning with the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year and thereafter, if the Board of Regents has determined that the institution has met the short-term targets established in the performance agreement and demonstrated progress on long-term targets, the institution shall be authorized to:

(a) Increase tuition and fee amounts by up to ten percent annually, without legislative approval, until the institution reaches the average tuition and fee amounts of its peer institutions. Tuition and fee amounts for peer institutions shall be weighted based upon the median household income in Southern Regional Education Board states in which respective peer institutions are located. The median household income in such states shall be compared with the median household income in Louisiana, and any differences between the average of the states shall be factored into the allowable tuition and fee amount increase for the respective institution.

(b) Upon reaching the average tuition and fee amounts as specified in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph, increase tuition and fee amounts as necessary to maintain tuition and fee amounts as close to that average as practical.

(4) Each postsecondary education management board shall establish criteria for waiving any tuition or mandatory fee increase as authorized in this Section in cases of financial hardship. Information relative to such waivers and the criteria and procedures for obtaining a waiver shall be made available to all prospective students in a timely manner such that each student is informed of the availability of a waiver prior to the student making a final decision concerning attendance at any public institution of postsecondary education.

B.(1)(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any institution that meets the requirements of this Paragraph may exercise until July 1, 2020, the autonomies provided by this Subsection subject to the limitations provided in this Paragraph.

(b) Subsequent to a postsecondary management board granting approval to an institution in its system to exercise operational autonomies, the division of administration shall approve the exercise of such autonomies to all institutions in the system governed by the management board, provided the system received for its most recent audit, a financial audit with an unmodified opinion, where the financial statements were free of material misstatements and material weaknesses, and the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows were represented fairly in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. If the system did not receive for the most recent audit, a financial audit with an unmodified opinion, where the financial statements were free of material misstatements and material weaknesses, and the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows were represented fairly in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, then the division of administration shall approve the exercise of such autonomies to all institutions in the system, except for any institution which was responsible for the finding of non-compliance at the system level.

(c) If an institution granted the right to exercise operational autonomies pursuant to Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph subsequently receives an audit with a material weakness through a financial audit, the institution shall be required to develop and implement a corrective action plan for approval by the management board. The institution shall be required to demonstrate to the management board that the necessary corrective actions were taken within six months from the date the audit finding was reported, or the institution will lose the authority to exercise the autonomies granted for the remainder of the period that this authority is in effect. The corrective action plan and post-implementation report shall be submitted to the division of administration and the Board of Regents.

(2) The operational autonomies that may be granted pursuant to this Subsection are:

(a) Authority to retain any funds which remain unexpended and unobligated at the end of the fiscal year for use at the institution's discretion pursuant to R.S. 17:3386.

(b) Authority to identify and dispose of obsolete equipment, excluding vehicles and items deemed by federal law to be of a dangerous nature. Prior to exercising this autonomy with respect to electronic devices, the postsecondary management board shall provide certification to the division of administration that all such devices are sanitized of any personally identifiable information.

(c) Authority to be excluded by the division of administration from any table of organization.

(d)(i) Authority to participate in the higher education procurement code as established by Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College and approved by the division of administration. Each postsecondary education management board may adopt the higher education procurement code, with amendments necessary to insert the name of each management board into the procurement code and to implement the code but excluding any substantive changes, pursuant to rules and regulations adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Any entity whose budget is appropriated through Schedule 19-Higher Education or 19E-LSU Health Sciences Center-health care services division may use the higher education procurement code in lieu of the Louisiana Procurement Code as provided in R.S. 39:15.3, 196 through 200, and 1551 through 1755, subject to the prior review and approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. Any changes to the higher education procurement code after an initial five-year period shall be submitted to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget for approval. However, there shall be only one higher education procurement code except for nonsubstantive changes required to implement the code.

(ii) The division of administration shall maintain a list of all institutions participating in the higher education procurement code, which shall be published on its website.

(e)(i) Exemption from participation in the state's risk management program established by R.S. 39:1527 et seq. and administered by the office of risk management, pursuant to a determination by the division of administration that the institution or management board, as applicable, has the capacity to manage its own risk and a phased-in plan of implementation as determined by the institution in collaboration with the attorney general and the division of administration, subject to the prior review and approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. This exemption shall not include the coverage provided by the state's risk management program pursuant to R.S. 40:1237.1.

(ii) Nothing in this exemption shall abrogate, amend, or alter the authority of the attorney general or the Department of Justice under Article IV, Sections 1 and 8 of the Constitution of Louisiana or any other provision of law to represent the state and all departments and agencies of state government in all litigation arising out of or involving tort or contract. Any institution that is granted an exemption under this Item shall enter into an interagency agreement with the attorney general and pay the attorney general reasonable attorney fees and expenses incurred in representing the institution.

(iii) Nothing in this Item shall be construed as creating any independent or separate cause of action against the state. The state shall continue to be sued only through the exempt institution's management board and cannot be sued in addition to or separately from the exempt institution's management board in any cause of action asserted against the exempt institution. The office of risk management shall not be responsible for payment of any judgment against the exempt institution's management board rendered subsequent to the transfer of the applicable line of coverage. The state's obligation to indemnify a covered individual as provided in R.S. 13:5108.1 shall not be performed by the office of risk management.

(iv) Any contract between the exempt institution's management board and its insurer shall name the state as an additional insured. Any provision in any contract between the exempt institution's management board and its insurer that conflicts with the provisions of this Section shall be deemed null and void.

(v) Nothing in this Item shall be construed to adversely affect any of the substantive and procedural provisions and limitations applicable to actions against the state, including but not limited to the provisions of R.S. 13:5106, 5107, 5108.1, and 5112, and R.S. 9:2800 which would continue to apply equally to any exempted institution. Those provisions that will not apply are those that are specifically excluded in this Section. Upon transfer of each line of coverage to the exempted institution under this Section, the provisions of R.S. 39:1527 et seq., as well as the provisions of R.S. 13:5106(B)(3)(c), shall not apply to the line of coverage so transferred, nor to any claims asserted against the exempted institution within the transferred line of coverage.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 39:113, authority to administer all facilities projects funded with self-generated revenue, federal funds, donations, grants, or revenue bonds, including all projects falling under R.S. 39:128; however, excluding those projects falling under R.S. 39:128, these projects shall not be exempted from the capital outlay budget or any requirements as pertains thereto.

(g) Authority to invest funds as defined by R.S. 49:327(C) in municipal bonds issued by any state or political subdivision and those instruments laid out in R.S. 49:327(B)(1), in tax exempt bonds and other taxable governmental bonds issued by any state or a political subdivision or public corporation of any state, provided that such bonds are rated by a nationally recognized rating agency as investment grade. The investment policy governing such investment as defined by R.S. 49:327(C)(1)(b) shall define the allocation of funds among instruments and the term of maturity of the instruments, subject to the prior review and approval of the investment advisory committee. If an institution is determined by the division of administration to no longer possess the capacity relevant to this autonomy, or both, authority to invest additional funds shall be limited to those instruments defined by R.S. 49:327(B)(1) and (C), and shall exclude further investments in tax exempt bonds and other taxable government bonds issued by any state or a political subdivision or public corporation of any state.

(3)(a) Nothing in this Subsection abrogates, amends, or alters the authority of the attorney general or the Department of Justice under Article IV, Sections 1 and 8 of the Constitution of Louisiana or any other provision of law to represent the state and all departments and agencies of state government in all litigation arising out of or involving tort or contract. Any exempt institution under this Section shall enter into an interagency agreement with the attorney general and pay the attorney general reasonable attorney fees and expenses incurred in representing the institution.

(b) Nothing in this Subsection shall be construed as creating any independent or separate cause of action against the state. The state shall continue to be sued only through the exempt institution's management board and cannot be sued in addition to or separately from the exempt institution's management board in any cause of action asserted against the exempt institution.

Acts 2010, No. 741, §1, eff. June 29, 2010; Acts 2011, No. 418, §1, eff. July 12, 2011; Acts 2012, No. 811, §5, eff. July 7, 2012; Acts 2014, No. 749, §1; Acts 2014, No. 864, §§4 and 5; Acts 2015, No. 359, §1, eff. June 29, 2015; Acts 2019, No. 21, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3138.12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3138.12
Louisiana's Foundational Integrated Research System for Transformation (LA FIRST)
Status: in_force

A. The Board of Regents shall establish and maintain Louisiana's Foundational Integrated Research System for Transformation (LA FIRST).

B. LA FIRST shall be developed and maintained by the Board of Regents at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette within the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center.

C.(1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no later than December 1, 2023, data-sharing agreements shall be executed by LA FIRST through the Board of Regents, the office of technology services, and the following state entities:

(a) Louisiana Works.

(b) The Department of Children and Family Services.

(c) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

(d) The office of juvenile justice.

(e) The Louisiana Department of Health.

(f) The Department of Education.

(2) No later than December 1, 2023, data-sharing agreements shall be executed by LA FIRST through the Board of Regents and each public postsecondary education management board.

D. LA FIRST, using the data center services of the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center, shall develop and annually publish the following reports:

(1) Launch Louisiana report with an in-depth analysis of the elementary-and-secondary-school-to-college or -career transition.

(2) Louisiana's Employment Outcomes report with an in-depth analysis of linkages between workforce, credit and noncredit, and postsecondary training and education.

(3) Causes and Consequences of Criminal and Delinquent Acts report with an in-depth analysis of the criminal justice system leveraging linkages between education, employment, adult corrections, and juvenile justice.

(4) Other ad hoc reports requested by any state entity listed in this Section, or other state entities with prior approval of all parties to the data sharing agreements associated with data used in developing the ad hoc report and with requisite funding.

E. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, LA FIRST, through the Board of Regents, shall be provided access to all data listed in the data-sharing agreement developed with each state entity. Access to the data of each entity listed in Paragraph (C)(1) of this Section shall be provided through the office of technology services on equipment provided by the office of technology services. Once the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center has been provided access to the data, the policy center shall comply with all restrictions imposed by law on any of the data received that is deemed confidential, privileged, or otherwise restricted, and any reports that use the data shall be released or published only in a manner that complies with the restrictions.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 17:3914 or any other law to the contrary, each city, parish, or other local public school board shall directly share student data with the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center and any department listed in Subsection C of this Section in order to carry out the provisions of this Section and the goals of the data-sharing agreements.

G. Data sharing shall commence upon execution of data-sharing agreements but no later than December 1, 2023. The data shall include at least five years of historical data in order to establish a baseline for each data set.

H.(1) All data shared shall include a minimum set of personally identifiable information to enable high-quality matching to other records within the system.

(2) The shared data shall be separated into two parts, personal and nonpersonal information. Personal information shall be used only to generate a unique identifier for each record, which shall then be combined with nonpersonal information to allow for matching of records across the data system. Research and analysis shall not be conducted on data that includes personally identifiable information.

Acts 2023, No. 394, §1, eff. see Act; Acts 2024, No. 330, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:427.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 427.4
Intent; purpose; teachers' homebuyer program; authorization
Status: in_force

A.(1) It is the intent of the legislature to make teacher quality a priority. Therefore, it is necessary to create an incentive and initiative program to entice teachers to earn certification and qualification, including certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Research indicates that one of the greatest factors impacting student achievement is the quality of the classroom teacher. It has been shown that there is an emerging teacher shortage in Louisiana and especially in the Acadiana, East Coast, Florida, and North Central parishes and the Louisiana delta region which are experiencing a more extensive shortage, thus threatening the education of children in these areas. The state's poor and rural areas face enormous and unique problems in attracting certified and highly qualified educators to their schools. Finally, it is the intention of the legislature to provide incentives for qualified classroom teachers to locate and teach in disadvantaged and underserved geographical areas of the state by encouraging and increasing the availability of such teachers for the benefit of children in elementary and secondary schools.

(2) As used in this Section, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) "Disadvantaged geographical area" means an area designated by the Advisory Panel on the Louisiana Teachers' Homebuyers Program, including, but not limited to the Acadiana, East Coast, Florida, and North Central parishes and the Louisiana delta region of the state.

(b) "Eligible teacher" means an individual who:

(i) Holds a valid Louisiana teaching certificate issued by the state Department of Education.

(ii) Meets all requirements for certification and employment as a teacher in public schools required by law and the rules and regulations of the state board.

(iii) Is employed by a city, parish, or other local public school board as a classroom teacher in a public school located in a disadvantaged geographical area that has been designated as a low-performing school as defined by the state board.

(c) "Program" means the Louisiana Teachers' Homebuyers Program established pursuant to this Section.

(d) "State board" means the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(e) Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 743, §4B, eff. July 1, 2010.

B. The Louisiana Teachers' Homebuyer Program is hereby established as a special home loan and loan closing assistance program for any eligible teacher. The treasurer shall identify disadvantaged geographical areas in the state. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education through the state Department of Education shall identify low-performing schools as defined by the state board which are located in disadvantaged geographical areas.

C. The state treasurer is hereby authorized to administer the program in conjunction with the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). The treasurer may contract or enter into any agreement with one or more public or private entities to provide assistance in implementing and administering the program. The treasurer shall adopt any rules or regulations necessary for the implementation and administration of the program pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.

D-G. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 743, §4B. eff. July 1, 2010.

Acts 2004, No. 738, §1; Acts 2005, No. 340, §1, eff. June 30, 2005; Acts 2010, No. 743, §§4A, 4B, eff. July 1, 2010.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:85.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 85.6
Naming of a headstart and community center; Jefferson Davis Parish School Board
Status: in_force

The parish school board in Jefferson Davis Parish may name a headstart and community center in the parish in honor of a former educator and community leader who meets all of the following criteria:

(1) She was valedictorian of her high school class in 1940 and graduated magna cum laude at Grambling.

(2) She played basketball for four years at Jefferson Davis High School and for four years at Grambling.

(3) She served at Jefferson Davis High School for twenty-five years as an American History teacher, counselor and girls' basketball coach and at Jennings High School as a counselor, for a total of forty years.

Acts 2004, No. 606, §1, eff. July 5, 2004; Acts 2011, 1 st Ex. Sess., No. 41, §1, eff. June 12, 2011.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3394.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3394.2
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Part, the following terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) "Annual appropriation dependency clause" shall mean a clause which shall be included in any financing arrangement which provides that if, after a diligent and good faith effort by the state to appropriate funds for the payment of sums due under a financing agreement, such funds are not appropriated, such agreement shall be terminated, and the state shall not be liable for the payment of further sums due thereunder.

(2) "Board" means the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges.

(3) "Corporation" means the nonprofit corporation which may be utilized to accomplish the purposes of this Part.

(4) "Division of administration" means the division of administration created within the office of the governor by Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

(5) "Project" means the acquisition, purchase, construction, renovation, improvement, or expansion of a public facility, to be financed as authorized and provided in this Part and R.S. 17:3361, et seq., to be limited to those public facilities and purposes identified in R.S. 17:3394.3.

(6) "Public facilities" means buildings, equipment, and other permanent property or immovable property of the colleges within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, as specifically identified in R.S. 17:3394.3.

Acts 2007, No. 391, §1, eff. June 30, 2007; Acts 2008, No. 220, §7, eff. June 14, 2008; Acts 2022, No. 374, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3217.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3217.5
Louisiana Technical College; merger of certain campuses with Baton Rouge Community College
Status: in_force

A. Effective July 1, 2013, or at the appropriate time thereafter as determined by formal action taken by the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, the Baton Rouge, Folkes, Jumonville Memorial, and Westside campuses of the Louisiana Technical College are hereby merged with Baton Rouge Community College, and, on the effective date of the merger, all funds, obligations, property, programs, facilities, and functions related to such technical college campuses are hereby transferred to Baton Rouge Community College.

B. All performance agreements between the Baton Rouge, Folkes, Jumonville Memorial, and Westside campuses of the Louisiana Technical College and Baton Rouge Community College and the Board of Regents executed pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 17:3139 et seq., prior to the effective date of this Section shall remain in effect until such time as the performance agreement between Baton Rouge Community College and the Board of Regents is modified to reflect the expanded mission of that institution and such modified performance agreement is certified by the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges.

C.(1) Baton Rouge Community College shall provide educational and skills and technical programs and services through the locations and facilities that served as the Baton Rouge, Folkes, Jumonville Memorial, and Westside campuses of the Louisiana Technical College prior to the effective date of this Section, and through any other postsecondary campus or institution which may become a part of Baton Rouge Community College or its primary service delivery area.

(2) Any student enrolled in a program or course of study at the Baton Rouge, Folkes, Jumonville Memorial, and Westside campuses of the Louisiana Technical College shall be permitted to complete such program or course of study at no greater cost or conditions, including the manner in which applicable aid and scholarships are administered, than those applicable to the student prior to the merger of such campuses with Baton Rouge Community College, provided the student completes his program or course of study within two years of such merger.

D. The Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges shall review the programs and employees of the Baton Rouge, Folkes, Jumonville Memorial, and Westside campuses of the Louisiana Technical College and Baton Rouge Community College and provide for an employee transition at all affected institutions and campuses consistent with effective and efficient delivery of educational services and the expanded mission of Baton Rouge Community College.

Acts 2013, No. 171, §1, eff. June 7, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3140.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3140.3
Licenses; fees; application; renewal
Status: in_force

A.(1) No proprietary school subject to the provisions of this Chapter shall do business in this state unless the owner holds a valid license approved and issued by the board. Applications for licensure shall be made to the commission as provided in this Chapter and rules established by the board.

(2) No course of instruction shall be established, offered, or given, and no diploma, degree, or other written evidence of proficiency or achievement shall be offered or awarded until the owner of the school planning to offer or offering such course of instruction, diplomas, or degrees has obtained a license.

(3)(a) No license shall be transferable. In the event of a change of ownership of a school, the license shall be revoked unless the new owner notifies the commission within ten days of the sale and files a license application within the time period prescribed by the board.

(b) If the school is owned by a corporation, a change of ownership is deemed to occur when fifty percent or more of all types in the aggregate of the corporation's stock has been transferred to a person or persons other than the person or persons who were stockholders at the time the school license was issued.

(c) For the purposes of this Chapter, an application for a change of ownership for a proprietary school already licensed by the board shall be treated as an initial license application with the additional submission of the bill of sale.

(4) Each application for a license shall be accompanied by a surety bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars.

B.(1) The fee for an initial license or change of ownership shall be two thousand dollars.

(2)(a) The annual renewal fee for any school whose previous year's gross tuition income is less than fifty thousand dollars shall be five hundred dollars. The annual renewal fee for any school whose previous year's gross tuition income is equal to or greater than fifty thousand dollars shall be one thousand dollars or the school's previous year's gross tuition income multiplied by twenty-five hundredths of one percent, whichever is greater.

(b) Any income earned by a proprietary school for courses of instruction which are not subject to licensure shall not be used in the calculation of license renewal fees for the school.

(3) No portion of any fee shall be subject to refund.

(4) An additional delinquent fee of five hundred dollars shall be imposed when an application for a license renewal is not received at the commission office at least thirty days prior to its expiration date.

(5) The reinstatement licensure fee for a suspended school shall be five hundred dollars.

C. An applicant for an initial license shall provide, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Properly completed application forms provided by the board.

(2) Documentation of the legal structure of the school.

(3) A copy of the school's business plan.

(4)(a) A current balance sheet of the school prepared by an independent, certified public accountant within six months prior to the date of the initial application for licensure.

(b) Certification by a school official that all information contained in the balance sheet is true and correct.

(5) Verification of surety bond coverage.

(6) A list of equipment available for instruction in each course of study offered by the school.

(7) A copy of the school catalogue as set forth in this Chapter and by rules established by the board.

(8) A copy of the certificate of occupancy or its equivalent issued by the local governing authority.

(9) A copy of all enrollment contracts or agreements which students attending the school will be required to sign.

(10) A copy of all proposed bulletins, published materials, form letters, circulars, and all advertising which will be transmitted to the public or prospective students.

(11) A copy of current accreditation granted by a nationally or regionally recognized accrediting agency approved by the United States Department of Education, if applicable.

(12) A detailed outline of each career program, including the number of courses required for completion of each career program and a description of each course.

(13) A notarized affidavit stating that neither the owner nor solicitor has pleaded guilty to a felony or has been found guilty of a felony.

(14) Any other information required by the board.

D. An applicant for a license renewal shall provide, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Verification of continuation of surety bond coverage.

(2)(a) Financial statements of the school prepared by an independent certified public accountant for the previous business year.

(b) Certification by a school official that information contained in the balance sheet is true and correct.

(3) Documentation of solvency.

(4) A copy of the current school catalogue as provided in this Chapter and board rules.

(5) A copy of all enrollment contracts or agreements which students will be required to sign.

(6) The number of students enrolled, number of students graduated, and the school's placement rate for the previous business year.

(7) A copy of current accreditation granted by a nationally or regionally recognized accrediting agency approved by the United States Department of Education, if applicable.

(8) Properly completed application forms provided by the board.

E. No license shall be renewed for a school that has failed to make any student tuition refunds in the manner provided by state and federal laws and regulations.

F. The board may conduct onsite visits and require information as may be necessary to grant a license and monitor institutional compliance with this Chapter.

Acts 2019, No. 437, §1; Acts 2024, No. 338, §1, eff. May 28, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2941 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 2941
Legislative findings
Status: in_force

The Legislature of Louisiana finds that:

(1) A uniform and effective statewide dual enrollment program is important to achieve Louisiana's goals for the talent development of its students.

(2) Equitable access and increased participation are necessary to achieve a uniform and effective statewide dual enrollment program that expands postsecondary educational and occupational opportunities.

(3) Facilitating equitable access for all students, including low-income, diverse, and first-generation college students, is critical to increasing participation in dual enrollment.

(4) The availability of dual enrollment courses in both academic and career-technical curricula is crucial to expanding postsecondary educational and occupational opportunities.

Acts 2020, No. 204, §1, eff. June 11, 2020.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1202 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1202
Teachers; extended sick leave
Status: in_force

A.(1) Every city, parish, and other local public school board shall permit:

(a) Each teacher to take up to ninety days of extended sick leave in each six-year period of employment, which may be used for a medical necessity in the manner provided in this Section at any time that the teacher has no remaining regular sick leave balance.

(b) Each teacher granted maternity or adoptive leave in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 17:48 or 1211 and who has no remaining sick leave balance available to take in the manner provided in this Section up to thirty days of additional extended sick leave in each six-year period of employment for personal illness relating to pregnancy, illness of an infant, or for required medical visits certified by a clinician as relating to infant or maternal health.

(2) As used in this Section, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a) "Child" means a biological son or daughter, an adopted son or daughter, a foster son or daughter, a stepson or daughter, or a legal ward of a teacher standing in loco parentis to that ward who is either under the age of eighteen, or who is eighteen years of age but under twenty-four years of age and is a full-time student, or who is nineteen years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability.

(b) "Immediate family member" means a spouse, parent, or child of a teacher.

(c) "Infant" means a child under one year of age.

(d) "Medical necessity" means the result of catastrophic illness or injury, a life-threatening condition, a chronic condition, or an incapacitating condition, as certified by a clinician, of a teacher or an immediate family member.

(e) "Parent" means the biological parent of a teacher or an individual who stood in loco parentis to the teacher.

B.(1) Unused days during any six-year period of employment shall not cumulate or carry forward into the next six-year period of employment.

(2) The balance of days of extended leave available to a teacher shall transfer with such teacher from one public school employer to another without loss of days and without restoration of days.

(3) Interruptions of service between periods of employment with a public school employer shall not be included in any calculation of a six-year period, such that any employment with any public school employer, regardless of when it occurs, shall be included in any determination of the balance of days of extended sick leave available to a teacher.

C.(1) All time while on extended sick leave is regular service time for all purposes for which service time is calculated or used.

(2) Any teacher on extended sick leave shall be paid sixty-five percent of the salary paid to him at the time the extended sick leave begins.

D.(1) No teacher may undertake additional gainful employment while on extended sick leave, unless all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The teacher can demonstrate that he will be working not more than twenty hours a week in a part-time job that he has been working for not less than one hundred twenty days prior to the beginning of any period of extended sick leave.

(b) The clinician who certifies the medical necessity of the leave indicates that such part-time work does not impair the purpose for which the extended leave is required.

(2) Any violation of this prohibition may require the teacher to return to the employer all compensation paid during any week of extended leave in which the teacher worked more than twenty hours and to reimburse the employer all related employment costs attributable to such period as calculated by the employer, without any restoration of such days.

E.(1)(a) On every occasion that a teacher uses extended sick leave, a statement from a clinician certifying that it is for personal illness relating to pregnancy, illness of an infant, or for required medical visits related to infant or maternal health or that it is a medical necessity shall be presented prior to the extension of such leave.

(b) The clinician statement required by this Paragraph may be presented and the extended sick leave may be requested subsequent to the teacher's return to service. In such a case, the extended leave shall be granted for all days for which such leave is requested and the required documentation is presented, provided the leave is requested and the required documentation is presented within three days after the teacher returns to service.

(2)(a) If the board or superintendent, upon review of the application, questions the validity or accuracy of the certification, the board or superintendent, as the case may be, referred to in this Paragraph as the "challenging party", may require the teacher or the immediate family member, as a condition for continued extended leave, to be examined by a clinician selected by the challenging party. In such a case, the employer shall pay all costs of the examination and any tests determined to be necessary. If the clinician selected by the challenging party finds medical necessity, the leave shall be granted.

(b) If the clinician selected by the challenging party disagrees with the certification of the clinician selected by the teacher or the immediate family member, then the challenging party may require the teacher or the immediate family member, as a condition for continued extension of sick leave, to be examined by a third appropriate clinician whose name appears next in the rotation of clinicians on a list established by the local medical society for such purpose and maintained by the challenging party. All costs of an examination and any required tests by a third clinician shall be paid by the employer. The opinion of the third clinician shall be determinative of the issue.

(c) The opinion of all clinicians consulted as provided in this Paragraph shall be submitted to the challenging party in the form of a sworn statement which shall be subject to the provisions of R.S. 14:125.

(d)(i) In addition to the authority provided in R.S. 17:1201(A)(2), the board shall adopt a policy regarding providing for employees suffering from catastrophic and long-term illness.

(ii) The board may, as part of a collective bargaining agreement, or by its own policy, provide additional compensation or extended leave days in excess of what is required in this Section.

(3) All information contained in any statement from a clinician shall be confidential and shall not be subject to the public records law.

F.(1) Each city, parish, and other local public school board shall develop and implement a sick leave bank policy to allow for the donation of sick leave among teachers.

(2) A teacher may donate sick leave directly to another teacher in an amount not to exceed one-half of the donating teacher's accumulated leave as calculated at the beginning of the school year.

(3) At least ninety percent of the leave balance in the bank shall be retained in the bank from one school year to the next.

G. Each city, parish, and other local public school board annually shall submit a report to the state Department of Education on the number of leave requests granted each year pursuant to this Section, the number of leave requests denied, and the reason or reasons for such denials.

H. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, all decisions relative to the granting of leave pursuant to this Section shall be made by the superintendent of the local public school system.

Acts 1987, No. 656, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1341, §1; Acts 2001, No. 278, §1, eff. June 7, 2001; Acts 2011, No. 405, §2, eff. July 1, 2011; Acts 2012, No. 788, §2, eff. June 13, 2012; Acts 2014, No. 659, §§1, 2; Acts 2014, No. 849, §1, eff. June 23, 2014; Acts 2018, No. 631, §1; Acts 2023, No. 296, §1; Acts 2024, No. 115, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1201 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1201
Amount of sick leave; reimbursement; injury on the job
Status: in_force

A.(1) Every member of the teaching staff employed by any parish or city school board of this state shall be entitled to and shall be allowed a minimum of ten days absence per school year because of personal illness or because of other emergencies or special circumstances, without loss of pay. Any portion of such sick leave not used in any year shall be accumulated to the credit of the member of the teaching staff without limitation. However, upon initial employment a member of the teaching staff employed by a school board shall not be allowed any sick leave in a school year unless and until he reports for duty and actually performs work for the board during that school year at which time the ten days otherwise provided for in this Paragraph shall accrue. The minimum of ten days of sick leave provided in this Subsection shall be allowed based on a member of the teaching staff beginning work at the beginning of a school year. In the case of a member of the teaching staff who begins work in the first month of a school year, ten days shall be allowed; in the case of a member of the teaching staff who begins work in the second month of a school year, nine days shall be allowed; in the case of a member of the teaching staff who begins work in the third month of a school year, eight days shall be allowed; in the case of a member of the teaching staff who begins work in the fourth month of a school year, seven days shall be allowed; in the case of a member of the teaching staff who begins work in the fifth month of a school year, six days shall be allowed; in the case of a member of the teaching staff who begins work in the sixth month of a school year, five days shall be allowed; in the case of a member of the teaching staff who begins work in the seventh month of a school year, four days shall be allowed; and, in the case of a member of the teaching staff who begins work in the eighth month or thereafter of a school year, three days shall be allowed.

(a) Any parish or city school board may reimburse a member of the teaching staff for any unused sick leave accumulated prior to the current year up to ten days during any school year upon the request by a member of the teaching staff. At the time of such request, the parish or city school board shall inform the member of the teaching staff making the request of the prohibition as provided in Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph.

(b) A parish or city school board electing to reimburse a member of the teaching staff as provided in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph shall establish a rate of pay for this reimbursement which shall be not more than seventy-five dollars per day.

(c) Any unused sick leave reimbursed to a member of the teaching staff as provided in this Paragraph shall not be used in the calculation of any employee benefit otherwise applicable including retirement or severance pay.

(d) Any teacher reimbursed pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph shall be eligible for payment for extended sick leave only for such number of days absent for which extended sick leave is granted which exceeds the number of days for which the teacher has been reimbursed under the provisions of this Paragraph.

(2) When a member of the teaching staff is absent for six or more consecutive days because of personal illness, he shall be required to present a certificate from a clinician. Each parish and city school board may adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary relative to the use of such sick leave, either current or accumulated, for emergencies or special circumstances. The parish and city school boards may grant additional sick leave, without loss of pay, or with such reduction of pay as they may establish and fix.

(3) All sick leave accumulated by each member of the teaching staff pursuant to the provisions of this Subsection shall be vested in the member of the teaching staff by whom such leave has been accumulated. In the event of the transfer of such member of the teaching staff from one city or parish public school system to another in this state, or upon the return of such member of the teaching staff to the same school system within five years or such longer period of time as may be approved by the governing authority of the school system to which the member of the teaching staff returned, regardless of the dates on which the leave was accumulated or the date of the transfer or return of the member of the teaching staff, such vested leave shall be transferred or returned to or continued by the school system to which he transfers or returns and shall be retained to the credit of such member of the teaching staff. When any member of the teaching staff uses accrued sick leave which has been transferred from one public school system to another, the sick leave used shall be assessed against the most recent sick leave earned and accrued and successively from sick leave accrued last to sick leave accrued first.

(4) All actual costs incurred by any city or parish school board as a result of the use by any member of the teaching staff of any accumulated leave transferred, returned, or continued as provided in Paragraph (3) of this Subsection shall be paid by the employing city or parish school board.

B. Upon the retirement of any public school member of the teaching staff, or upon his death prior to retirement, his employer shall pay to such member of the teaching staff or to his heirs or assigns, sick leave which has accrued to such member of the teaching staff but which remains unused at the time of his retirement or at the time of his death if prior to retirement, not to exceed twenty-five days of such unused sick leave. Such pay shall be at the rate of pay received by the member of the teaching staff at the time of retirement or death prior to retirement; provided that any parish or city school board may pay such unused sick leave beyond twenty-five days at its discretion.

C.(1)(a) Any member of the teaching staff of the public schools who is injured or disabled while acting in his official capacity as a result of assault or battery by any student or person shall receive sick leave without reduction in pay and without reduction in accrued sick leave days while disabled as a result of such assault or battery. However, such member of the teaching staff shall be required to present a certificate from a physician certifying such injury and disability. If the member of the teaching staff who is receiving sick leave without reduction as provided in this Section begins to draw his benefit from the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana, the leave shall cease.

(b)(i) A member of the teaching staff of the public schools who while acting in his official capacity is disabled as a result of physical contact with a student while providing physical assistance to a student to prevent danger or risk of injury to the student shall receive sick leave for a period up to one calendar year without reduction in pay and without reduction in accrued sick leave days while disabled as a result of rendering such assistance. Such member of the teaching staff shall be required to present a certificate from a physician selected by the teaching staff member certifying the disability. Nothing in this Subsection shall prohibit a city, parish, or other local public school board from extending this period beyond one calendar year.

(ii) At any time during the period of certified disability, if the school board questions the validity of the physician certification provided for in this Section, the board may require the teaching staff member to be examined by a physician selected by the board. In such a case, the board shall pay all costs of the examination and any tests determined to be necessary. If the physician selected by the board certifies the disability, the leave shall be granted or continued as appropriate. If the physician selected by the board disagrees with the certificate of the physician selected by the staff member, then the board may require the staff member to be examined by a third physician whose name appears next in the rotation of physicians on a list established by the local or state medical society for such purpose and maintained by the board. All costs of an examination and any tests required by a third physician shall be paid by the board. The opinion of the third physician shall be determinative of the issue.

(iii) The opinion of each physician consulted as provided in this Subparagraph shall be submitted to the school board in the form of a sworn statement that shall be subject to the provisions of R.S. 14:125.

(iv) The board shall not reduce the pay or accrued sick leave of a member of the teaching staff who is absent from his duties to seek medical attention or treatment as a result of an injury as provided in this Subsection.

(v) If the member of the teaching staff's physician determines that the member is able to return to active service as a member of the teaching staff with restrictions and the board does not allow the member to return to active service as a member of the teaching staff subject to those restrictions, then the member's leave shall be granted or continued as provided in this Subsection.

(2) The sick leave authorized by this Subsection shall be in addition to all other sick leave authorized in this Section, provided that additional sick leave earned during the period of disability as a result of such assault and battery shall not be accumulated from year to year, nor shall such additional sick leave be compensated for at death or retirement or compensated for in any other manner except as authorized in this Subsection.

D.(1) Any member of the teaching staff in the public schools who is injured or disabled while acting in his official capacity shall be entitled to weekly wage benefits under the workers' compensation law of the state of Louisiana and/or to sick leave benefits under Subsection A of this Section, at his option, but in no event shall such benefits exceed the total amount of the regular salary the member of the teaching staff was receiving at the time the injury or disability occurred.

(2) In any case in which a member of the teaching staff personally elects to supplement workers' compensation with accumulated sick leave, the amount of sick leave used shall be calculated on an hourly basis.

Acts 1990, No. 643, §1; Acts 1991, No. 360, §1, eff. July 6, 1991; Acts 1995, No. 663, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1089, §1; Acts 1999, No. 663, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2004, No. 603, §1, eff. July 1, 2004; Acts 2014, No. 741, §1; Acts 2017, No. 227, §1; Acts 2020, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 34, §1, eff. Oct. 28, 2020; Acts 2022, No. 648, §1; Acts 2023, No. 296, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2071 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 2071
Academy of the Holy Angels
Status: in_force

The Congregation of the Sisters Marianites of Holy Cross, conducting the Academy of the Holy Angels, a religious institution for the education of young ladies, situated in the Parish of Orleans, and recognized as a body corporate, and entitled to the enjoyment and exercise of all the rights, duties and privileges appertaining to civil corporations, has the authority to graduate students and to confer such literary honors and degrees and to grant such diplomas as are conferred and granted by any colleges, universities or seminaries of learning in the United States and Europe, to graduates of the institution, or other persons, as may be provided for under such rules and regulations, and over the signature of such persons as the said corporation may adopt.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:66 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 66
Central Community School Board and school system; creation; membership; qualifications; apportionment; election; powers, duties, and functions; system operation
Status: in_force

A.(1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, upon the appointment of members of the interim school board as provided in R.S. 17:66.1, there shall be established a separate school system and school board for the Central community in East Baton Rouge Parish. The school board shall be designated the Central Community School Board. The board shall be composed of seven members, one from each of the single-member districts provided for in Subsection B of this Section who shall be electors and shall meet the qualifications for office provided in R.S. 17:52(D) and (E).

(2) The geographic boundaries of the school system shall be as follows:

Commence at a point on the Comite River at the center line of the river and its intersection with the center line of Louisiana Highway 64; thence proceed in a southerly direction along the center line of the Comite River to its intersection with the center line of White Bayou; thence proceed in a northwesterly direction along the center line of White Bayou to a point due east of the intersection of Foster Road and Green Gate Drive; thence run due west from said point 3500 feet, more or less, along a line to its intersection with the center line of Foster Road; thence proceed in a southerly direction along the center line of Foster Road to its intersection with the center line of Louisiana Highway 408 (Hooper Road); thence proceed in an easterly direction along the center line of Louisiana Highway 408 (Hooper Road) ninety feet, more or less, to its intersection with an electric power transmission line on the western boundary of the Four Seasons Trailer Park; thence proceed in a southerly direction along the electric power transmission line and its extension to its intersection with the center line of Cypress Bayou; thence proceed in a southeasterly direction along the center line of Cypress Bayou to its intersection with the center line of the Comite River; thence proceed in a southeasterly direction along the center line of the Comite River to its confluence with the center line of the Amite River; thence proceed in a northerly direction along the center line of the meanders of the Amite River to its confluence with the center line of Sandy Creek; thence proceed in a northerly direction along the center line of Sandy Creek to its intersection with the center line of Louisiana Highway 37 (Greenwell Springs Road); thence proceed in a southwesterly direction along the center line of Louisiana Highway 37 (Greenwell Springs Road) to its intersection with the center line of Louisiana Highway 409 (Liberty Road); thence proceed in a northerly direction along the center line of Louisiana Highway 409 (Liberty Road) to its intersection with the center line of Louisiana Highway 64 (Greenwell Springs-Port Hudson Road); thence continue north along the center line of Louisiana Highway 409 (Liberty Road) a distance of 1000 feet to a point; thence proceed from said point northwesterly along a line 1000 feet north of and parallel to Louisiana Highway 64 (Greenwell Springs-Port Hudson Road) to its intersection with the east boundary of Section 16, Township 5 South, Range 2 East; thence proceed along the east boundary of Section 16, north a distance of 2200 feet, more or less, to the northeast corner of Section 16; thence, along the north boundary of Section 16, proceed west a distance of 3100 feet, more or less, to the northwest corner of Section 16; thence, along the west boundary of Section 16, proceed south a distance of 1000 feet, more or less, to a point on the west boundary of Section 16 that is 1000 feet north of the center line of Louisiana Highway 64; thence proceed in a northwesterly direction along a line 1000 feet north of and parallel to Louisiana Highway 64 to a point 500 feet west of Saunders Bayou; thence proceed southerly along a line 500 feet west of Saunders Bayou to its intersection with the center line of Louisiana Highway 64; thence proceed in a westerly direction along the center line of Louisiana Highway 64 to its intersection with the center line of the Comite River, the point of beginning.

B.(1) By not later than sixty days after the appointment of the members of the interim school board as provided in R.S. 17:66.1, the interim school board shall develop and adopt a plan to divide the Central community school system into seven single-member districts from each of which one member of the Central Community School Board shall be elected. The districts shall be drawn in a manner such that each member of the Central Community School Board represents as nearly as possible the same number of persons, using population figures from the latest federal decennial census, and shall be effective in time for qualifying for office for a special election for school board members to be held at the time and place of voting for municipal primary and municipal general elections in 2007. School board members elected at this time shall take office at noon on the thirtieth day following the general election and serve until the taking of office of the school board members elected as provided in Subsection C of this Section.

(2) If the special election for school board members provided for in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection is not held, such election shall be held on the dates for the next available special election authorized by R.S. 18:402(E) to fill newly created offices. School board members elected at this time shall take office at noon on the third Monday next following the general election date authorized for such available special election and serve until the taking of office of the school board members elected as provided in Subsection C of this Section.

(3) Prior to the final adoption of the apportionment plan required by Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the interim school board shall order a public hearing on the proposed plan and shall cause to be published in its official journal at least twenty days prior to the date of such hearing, the time and place thereof, a general summary and map of the proposed plan, and the times and places where copies of the proposed plan are available for public inspection.

C. Except as otherwise provided in this Section and in R.S. 17:66.1 for the initial elected members of the board, each member of the Central Community School Board shall be elected at the time and place provided by law generally for parish school board members. The members of the Central Community School Board elected in 2010 shall take office as otherwise provided by law generally for parish school board members, and such members and their successors in office shall serve for four-year concurrent terms.

D. Vacancies on the board shall be filled as provided by law generally for parish school boards.

E.(1) The organization of the Central Community School Board as well as the board's powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities shall be as provided by law generally for city, parish, and other local public school boards. Compensation for board members and reimbursement for expenses also shall be as provided by law generally for city, parish, and other local public school board members.

(2) The Central Community School Board shall adopt rules, regulations, and procedures consistent with law to effectuate this Section and to administer the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the board.

F.(1) The Central Community School Board shall begin actual operation of providing for the education of students within its jurisdiction on July 1, 2007. Beginning on the date the school board begins actual operation of providing for the education of students and thereafter, notwithstanding any provision of law or rule or regulation to the contrary and pursuant to the duty and responsibility placed with the legislature by Article VIII, Section 1 of the Constitution of Louisiana to establish and maintain a public educational system and the authority granted the legislature by Article VIII, Section 10(A) of the Constitution of Louisiana to enact laws affecting parish school board systems in existence on the effective date of the constitution, all lands, buildings, and improvements, facilities, and other property having title vested in the public and subject to management, administration, and control by the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board for public education purposes but located within the geographic boundaries of the Central community school system or used to provide student transportation services to such facilities, or both, shall be managed, administered, and controlled by the Central Community School Board.

(2) If the members of the Central Community School Board are elected at the time provided in Paragraph (2) of Subsection B of this Section, the interim school board shall begin actual operation of providing for the education of students within its jurisdiction on such date and shall exercise all powers and authorities granted to the Central Community School Board and for the purposes of R.S. 17:58.2(H), the Central Community School Board shall be deemed to have begun actual operation on such date.

G. Consistent with Article VIII of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974 relevant to equal educational opportunities, no state dollars shall be used to discriminate or to have the effect of discriminating and failing to provide an equal educational opportunity for all students.

Acts 2006, No. 202, §1, eff. Dec. 11, 2006; Acts 2007, No. 47, §1; Acts 2010, No. 598, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3100.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3100.6
Education savings accounts; creation, terms, and conditions
Status: in_force

A.(1) An education savings account shall be established for a person who is determined by the authority to qualify under one of the following classifications:

(a) A person determined by the authority to be the parent, grandparent, or court-ordered custodian of the person being designated as beneficiary of the account or who claims the person being designated as beneficiary as a dependent on his federal income tax return, and at the time of the initiation of the agreement, the person or beneficiary is a resident of the state.

(b) A person determined by the authority to be a member of the family of the beneficiary, and at the time of the initiation of the agreement, the person or the beneficiary is a resident of the state.

(c) Any other person, and at the time of the initiation of the agreement, the beneficiary is a resident of the state.

(d) Any other person who, at the time of the initiation of the agreement, is a resident of the state and the beneficiary is not a resident of the state.

(e) Any other person or any government entity, and at the time of the initiation of the agreement:

(i) The beneficiary is a resident of the state.

(ii) The federal adjusted income of the beneficiary's family is less than thirty thousand dollars or the beneficiary is eligible for a free lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.).

(iii) The beneficiary is not a member of the account owner's family nor a member of the family of any member or employee of the authority or the office of student financial assistance.

(iv) The deposits to the account are an irrevocable donation by the owner.

(2) The person completing the account owner's agreement for an education savings account shall be the "owner" of the account.

B.(1)(a) An education savings account may have only one designated beneficiary. The account owner shall designate the beneficiary; however, an account owner meeting the classification requirements of Subparagraph (A)(1)(e) of this Section may authorize the authority to designate the beneficiary.

(b) The beneficiary designated by the authority shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

(i) Be a resident of the state.

(ii) The federal adjusted gross income of the beneficiary's family must be less than thirty thousand dollars or the beneficiary must be eligible for a free lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.).

(iii) Not be a member of the account owner's family nor a member of the family of any member or employee of the authority and the office of student financial assistance.

(2) Persons who are eligible to establish an education savings account for more than one beneficiary shall establish a separate account for each beneficiary. The account shall be subject to all other terms, conditions, and fees applicable to an education savings account.

C. The right of a beneficiary to the assets of an education savings account shall not be subject to and is expressly dispensed from collation, execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of bankruptcy or the insolvency laws or other process of law. Monies paid into or out of the assets and the income of any validly existing qualified tuition program authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, including but not limited to an education savings account as defined in R.S. 17:3100.2, shall not be liable to attachment, levy, garnishment, or legal process in the state in favor of any creditor of or claimant against any program participant, owner, contributor, or program.

Acts 2018, No. 687, §2, eff. May 30, 2018.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:436.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 436.3
Students with diabetes; management and treatment plans; provision of care; unlicensed diabetes care assistants; student self-monitoring and treatment
Status: in_force

A.(1) Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, a diabetes management and treatment plan shall be submitted by each student with diabetes enrolled in a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school who seeks care for his diabetes while at school or while participating in a school-related activity and shall be updated on an annual basis. Such plan shall be developed by the physician or other licensed health care provider recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who is selected by the parent or guardian to be responsible for such student's diabetes treatment and a current copy of such plan shall be kept on file at the school in which the student is enrolled.

(2) A student's diabetes management and treatment plan shall contain:

(a) An evaluation of the student's level of understanding of his condition and his ability to manage his diabetes.

(b) The diabetes-related healthcare services the student may receive or self-administer at school or during a school-related activity.

(c) A timetable, including dosage instructions, of any diabetes medications to be administered to the student or self-administered by the student.

(d) The signature of the student, the student's parent or legal guardian, and the physician responsible for the student's diabetes treatment.

(3) The parent or legal guardian of a student with diabetes shall annually submit a copy of the student's diabetes management and treatment plan to the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled. The plan shall be reviewed by the appropriate school personnel:

(a) Prior to or within five days after the beginning of each school year.

(b) Upon enrollment, if the student enrolls in the school after the beginning of the school year.

(c) As soon as practicable following the student's receipt of a diagnosis of diabetes.

B.(1) The school nurse shall provide care to a student with diabetes, or assist a student with the self-care of his diabetes, in accordance with the student's diabetes management and treatment plan. If a school has no school nurse assigned to the school on a full-time basis, or the school nurse is unavailable, an unlicensed diabetes care assistant may provide care to a student with diabetes, or assist a student with the self-care of his diabetes, as provided in this Section.

(2) Each school may adopt a policy to ensure that a school nurse, or at least one unlicensed diabetes care assistant, shall be present and available to provide care to a student with diabetes during the regular school day or during school-related activities, in accordance with the student's diabetes management and treatment plan.

C.(1) For purposes of this Section, "unlicensed diabetes care assistant" means a school employee who volunteers to be trained in accordance with this Section. "Unlicensed diabetes care assistant" also means an employee of an entity that contracts with the school or school system to provide school nurses who are responsible for providing health care services required by law or state Department of Education regulation.

(2) The principal of the school, in consultation with the school nurse if one is available, may:

(a) Seek school employees who are not healthcare professionals and who are willing to be trained to serve as unlicensed diabetes care assistants and provide care to students with diabetes pursuant to the provisions of this Section. A school employee shall not be subject to any penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to serve as an unlicensed diabetes care assistant.

(b) Make efforts to ensure that the school has at least one unlicensed diabetes care assistant, if the school has a full-time nurse, or at least three unlicensed diabetes care assistants if the school has no full-time nurse.

(3) An unlicensed diabetes care assistant shall serve under the supervision of the school nurse or the school principal.

(4) An unlicensed diabetes care assistant, in accordance with the diabetes management and treatment plan on file for a student, may provide diabetes care to a student, or assist a student in the self-care of his diabetes, including but not limited to:

(a) Checking and recording blood glucose and ketone levels.

(b) Responding to blood glucose levels outside of the target range established for a student.

(c) Administering glucagon and other emergency treatments as prescribed in a student's diabetes management and treatment plan.

(d) Administering, or assisting a student in administering, insulin through the insulin delivery system prescribed in the student's diabetes management and treatment plan.

(e) Administering oral diabetes medications to a student as prescribed in the student's diabetes management and treatment plan.

(f) Assisting a student to follow the instructions in his diabetes management and treatment plan relative to meals, snacks, and physical activity.

(5)(a) An unlicensed diabetes care assistant may provide diabetes care to a student only in accordance with the student's diabetes management and treatment plan, and then only if the student's parent or legal guardian signs an agreement authorizing such care by the unlicensed diabetes care assistant and such agreement is on file with the school.

(b) An unlicensed diabetes care assistant shall exercise reasonable judgment in deciding whether to contact a healthcare professional in the event of a medical emergency involving a student with diabetes.

(c) In the performance of his duties as provided in this Section, an unlicensed diabetes care assistant who assists a student in compliance with a student's diabetes management and treatment plan as provided in this Section shall be exempt from any applicable state law or rule that restricts the activities that may be performed by a person who is not a healthcare professional.

(d) An unlicensed diabetes care assistant shall be immune from any liability for any act or omission to act related to the provision of care to a student with diabetes, or assisting a student with the self-care of his diabetes.

(6) The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing jointly shall promulgate rules and regulations specifying methods and a curriculum for the training of unlicensed diabetes care assistants in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The rules and regulations shall use the guidelines as required by this Section and by the latest National Diabetes Education Program, "Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnel". In developing such rules and regulations, the boards shall include the following in the rulemaking process:

(a) The Louisiana Department of Health.

(b) The American Diabetes Association.

(c) The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International.

(d) The American Association of Diabetes Educators.

(7) Training for an unlicensed diabetes care assistant may be provided by a healthcare professional with expertise in caring for persons with diabetes or by the school nurse and shall include:

(a) Recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

(b) Understanding the details of a student's diabetes management and treatment plan.

(c) Understanding the proper action to take if a student's blood glucose levels are outside the target ranges specified in his diabetes management and treatment plan.

(d) Performing finger sticks to check blood glucose levels, checking urine ketone levels, and properly recording the results.

(e) Properly administering glucagon and insulin and properly recording the results.

(f) Recognizing complications which require emergency assistance.

(g) Understanding the recommended schedules and food intake for meals and snacks for a student with diabetes, the effect of physical activity on blood glucose levels, and the proper actions to be taken if a student's schedule is disrupted.

D. In accordance with a student's diabetes management and treatment plan, a school shall permit the student to attend to the self-management and care of his diabetes, which may include the following activities:

(a) Performing blood glucose level checks.

(b) Self-administration of insulin through the insulin delivery system specified in the student's diabetes management and treatment plan.

(c) Treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia as specified in the student's diabetes management and treatment plan.

(d) Possessing on the student's person, at any time, such supplies or equipment as are necessary to monitor and care for the student's diabetes.

(e) Otherwise attending to the management and care of the student's diabetes in the classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, or at any school-related activity.

E. With written permission from a student's parent or legal guardian, a school may provide a school employee with responsibility for providing transportation for a student with diabetes, or supervising a student with diabetes during an off-campus activity, with an information sheet that provides the following information:

(a) The identity of the student with diabetes.

(b) A description of potential emergencies that may occur as a result of the student's diabetes and the appropriate responses to such emergencies.

(c) The telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency involving the student with diabetes.

F. No physician, nurse, school employee, school, or school district shall be liable for civil damages or subject to disciplinary action under professional licensing regulations or school disciplinary policies as a result of the activities authorized by this Section.

Acts 2012, No. 858, §1, eff. June 14, 2012; Acts 2016, No. 454, §1; Acts 2017, No. 97, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3399.33 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3399.33
Freedom of association; religious liberty; faith-based student organizations; political or ideological belief-based organizations
Status: in_force

A. No public postsecondary education institution shall deny a political or ideological belief-based organization or a religious or faith-based student organization any benefit or privilege available to any other student organization, or otherwise discriminate against a political or ideological belief-based organization or a faith-based organization, based on the political, ideological, or religious beliefs of the organization.

B. No public postsecondary education institution shall engage in discrimination on the basis of political, ideological, or religious beliefs against any organization or the organization's leaders or members of the organization in a manner that does any of the following:

(1) Restricts the organization's sincerely held religious beliefs or the political or ideological beliefs of the organization.

(2) Restricts compliance with the organization's standards of conduct with respect to free speech and First Amendment protected expressive activities.

(3) Restricts the organization's mission or purpose, as defined by the organization, with respect to free speech and First Amendment protected expressive activities.

(4) Requires the organization to accept elected officers, choose leaders, or accept members who are not members of the same religion or the same political party or who do not share the same ideological beliefs if to do so would violate the organization's standards of conduct.

Acts 2018, No. 666, §1, eff. June 1, 2018; Acts 2024, No. 584, §1, eff. June 11, 2024.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3217.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3217.3
Louisiana Technical College; merger of certain campuses with Louisiana Delta Community College
Status: in_force

A. Effective July 1, 2012, or at the appropriate time thereafter as determined by formal action taken by the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, the Bastrop, Delta-Ouachita, North Central, Northeast Louisiana, Ruston, and Tallulah campuses of the Louisiana Technical College are hereby merged with Louisiana Delta Community College, and on the effective date of the merger all funds, obligations, property, programs, facilities, and functions related to such technical college campuses are hereby transferred to Louisiana Delta Community College.

B. All performance agreements between the Bastrop, Delta-Ouachita, North Central, Northeast Louisiana, Ruston, and Tallulah campuses of the Louisiana Technical College and Louisiana Delta Community College and the Board of Regents executed pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 17:3139 et seq., prior to the effective date of this Section shall remain in effect until such time as the performance agreement between Louisiana Delta Community College and the Board of Regents is modified to reflect the expanded mission of that institution and such modified performance agreement is certified by the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges.

C.(1) Louisiana Delta Community College shall provide educational programs and services through the locations and facilities that served as the Bastrop, Delta-Ouachita, North Central, Northeast Louisiana, Ruston, and Tallulah campuses of the Louisiana Technical College prior to the effective date of this Section, and through any other postsecondary campus or institution which may become a part of Louisiana Delta Community College or its primary service delivery area.

(2) Any student enrolled in a program or course of study at the Bastrop, Delta-Ouachita, North Central, Northeast Louisiana, Ruston, or Tallulah campuses of the Louisiana Technical College shall be permitted to complete such program or course of study at no greater cost or conditions than those applicable to the student prior to the merger of such campuses with Louisiana Delta Community College, provided all applicable aid and scholarships are first applied to the student's cost of attendance and the student completes his program or course of study within two years of such merger.

D. The Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges shall review the programs and employees of the Bastrop, Delta-Ouachita, North Central, Northeast Louisiana, Ruston, and Tallulah campuses of the Louisiana Technical College and Louisiana Delta Community College and provide for an employee transition at all affected institutions and campuses consistent with effective and efficient delivery of educational services and the expanded mission of Louisiana Delta Community College.

Acts 2012, No. 681, §1, eff. June 7, 2012.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3050.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3050.1
Purpose
Status: in_force

It is the purpose of this Chapter to encourage and assist those students who graduate from the Louisiana National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe Program to continue their education and enhance their skills by providing for tuition at an eligible Louisiana postsecondary institution.

Acts 2003, No. 826, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2019, No. 402, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3902 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3902
Evaluation program; process
Status: in_force

A. Every teacher and administrator who has been employed by a local board shall be formally evaluated annually by the local board pursuant to this Subpart.

B. The elements of evaluation and standards for effectiveness shall be defined by the board pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated for such purpose. Such rules and regulations shall require that, at a minimum, local evaluation plans contain the following elements:

(1) A job description. The local board shall establish a job description for every category of teacher and administrator pursuant to its evaluation plan. Such job descriptions shall contain the criteria on which the teacher or administrator shall be evaluated. Each teacher or administrator shall be provided with his job description prior to the beginning of his first employment in the school system in his position and each time the job description is revised. The teacher or administrator shall acknowledge receipt of the job description by signing a copy thereof.

(2) A professional growth plan. A professional growth plan shall be developed by each teacher and administrator, collaboratively with his evaluator or evaluators during the beginning of each evaluation period. Such plan shall be designed to assist each teacher and administrator in meeting the standards for effectiveness, effectively addressing the social, developmental, and emotional needs of students and maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. Each such plan shall include a statement of the professional development objectives of the teacher or administrator as well as the strategies the teacher or administrator intends to employ toward the realization of each objective.

(3) Observation and conferencing. The evaluator or evaluators of each teacher or administrator shall conduct a pre-observation conference during which the teacher or administrator shall provide the evaluator or evaluators with relevant information. A teacher shall provide information concerning the planning of the lesson to be observed as well as any other information the teacher considers pertinent. The observation shall occur at a time and place established in advance, shall be of sufficient duration to provide meaningful data which, in the case of a teacher, shall be not less than the duration of one complete lesson. In the case of a teacher, the observation shall be conducted using the components of effective teaching, as well as any additional local board criteria included in the job description. In the case of an administrator, the observation may consist of the collection of prescribed performance documentation and shall be conducted using applicable components of effective teaching, elements prescribed by board rule, and any additional local board criteria included in the job description. A post-observation conference shall be conducted to discuss commendation and recommendations.

(4) Classroom visitation. The evaluator may, on his own initiative or upon the request of a teacher or administrator he has evaluated, periodically visit the teacher or administrator to monitor progress toward achievement of professional growth plan objectives and provide support or assistance.

(5)(a) Measure of effectiveness. Fifty percent of such evaluations shall be based on evidence of growth in student achievement as determined by the board. Data derived from a value-added assessment model, as determined by the board, shall be a factor in determining evidence of student growth for grade levels and subjects for which value-added data is available and shall comprise thirty-five percent of the overall evaluation. For grade levels and subjects for which value-added data is not available and for personnel for whom value-added data is not available, the board shall establish measures of student growth. The model shall take into account important student factors, including but not limited to special education, economic disadvantage, attendance, and discipline.

(b)(i) Neither the value-added model nor the measures of student growth for grade levels and subjects for which value-added data are not available shall, in any given school year, include a test score or data of a student who has ten or more absences, whether excused, unexcused, consecutive, or nonconsecutive, in any school semester in that school year.

(ii) When a student has ten or more absences as provided for in Item (i) of this Subparagraph, the following shall not be considered factors in an evalution relative to such absences: credit recovery, academic credit, and attendance credit.

(c) The board shall develop and adopt a policy to invalidate such student growth data for any teacher for any school year in which there is a natural disaster or any other unexpected event that results in the temporary closure of the school.

(d) Each person being evaluated and his evaluator shall meet for the purpose of discussing the student learning targets of each student. Student learning targets not discussed in a meeting between a person and his evaluator shall not be used in the person's evaluation.

C.(1) At the conclusion of each year's evaluation, the evaluator or evaluators shall determine whether the teacher or administrator is effective or ineffective pursuant to the evaluation plan. Such determination shall be transmitted to the local board.

(2)(a) Any teacher or administrator who fails to meet the standard of performance with regard to effectiveness shall be placed in an intensive assistance program designed to address the complexity of the teacher's deficiencies and shall be formally re-evaluated. A teacher or administrator shall be informed in writing of placement in an intensive assistance program and provided in writing with the reasons for such placement.

(b) Each intensive assistance program shall be designed for the individual teacher or administrator involving the evaluator or evaluators and the teacher or administrator and shall include at a minimum:

(i) Specific steps to be taken to improve.

(ii) The assistance, support, and resources to be provided by the local board.

(iii) An expected time line for achieving the objectives and the procedures for monitoring progress including observations and conferences. The time line shall not exceed two years.

(iv) The action to be taken if improvement is not demonstrated.

(v) If the intensive assistance program required pursuant to this Paragraph is not completed in conformity with its provisions or if the teacher or administrator is determined to be ineffective after a formal evaluation conducted immediately upon completion of the program, then the local board shall timely initiate termination proceedings pursuant to Part II of Chapter 2 of this Title.

(3) The board shall determine a standard for highly effective teachers for use by local boards to recognize, reward, and retain teachers who demonstrate a high level of effectiveness.

D. Nothing contained in this Section shall diminish the right of the local board to evaluate employees or to make employment decisions or of principals and other employees with supervisory responsibilities to observe the employees they supervise.

E. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, for the 2020-2021 school year, value-added data shall not be used to evaluate teacher performance or effectiveness.

Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 1, §2, eff. June 22, 1994; Acts 2010, No. 54, §1, eff. May 27, 2010; Acts 2014, No. 515, §1; Acts 2016, No. 504, §1, eff. June 14, 2016; Acts 2017, No. 136, §1; Acts 2020, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 53, §1, eff. Nov. 5, 2020; Acts 2022, No. 333, §1; Acts 2025, No. 270, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3403 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3403
Minimum requirements for teacher certification; authorization for supplemental compensation
Status: in_force

A. Montessori teachers having the requirements set forth in this Subsection shall be certified by the appropriate Montessori organization as follows:

(1) A "Class C" teacher shall have a certification from either the American Montessori Society, the Association Montessori Internationale, the St. Nicholas Training Course of London, the International Montessori Council, the Southwestern Montessori Training Center, or the Montessori World Educational Institute or any other Montessori training course from a program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education or jointly approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Montessori Association.

(2) A "Class B" teacher shall meet the certification requirements of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection plus have at least one year of teaching experience in a Montessori school.

(3) A "Class A" teacher shall meet the certification qualifications of Paragraph (2) of this Subsection plus have a baccalaureate degree.

B. A teacher who teaches a junior class shall have Montessori certification for the age levels which he teaches and a baccalaureate degree.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any person teaching in a Montessori school who receives a salary paid by the government of France may receive additional compensation paid by the employing school out of funds available to the school for such purpose whether such funds are part of its normal operating budget or are provided by its parent organization or any local, state, or federal educational organization or foundation. The school may compensate the person up to the amount of the difference in salary paid such person by the government of France and the average salary of a teacher in a public school in Louisiana with comparable qualifications and experience.

Acts 1976, No. 290, §1; Acts 1982, No. 400, §1, eff. July 20, 1982; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 56, §1, eff. April 17, 2000; Acts 2024, No. 186, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3931 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3931
Office of life-long learning; creation; purpose; staffing
Status: in_force

A. The office of life-long learning, hereinafter referred to as the "office", is created within the office of the governor.

B. The office shall have the following purposes and goals:

(1) To facilitate the development and coordination of literacy efforts in the state, both public and private.

(2) To increase the number of persons served, thereby enabling them to better their employment and enhance their self-esteem and participation in and enjoyment of the activities of our society.

(3) To advise the governor and other policymakers on all matters relating to literacy.

(4) To make recommendations for the budgeting, allocation, and appropriation of all monies available for adult literacy services, state, federal, public, and private.

(5) To provide an evaluation system and a reporting mechanism for all services provided.

(6) To recommend change and suggest new approaches to adult literacy.

(7) To serve as a public advocate, representing literacy providers, students, public sector and private literacy endeavors.

(8) To establish literacy criteria.

(9) To help every citizen of this state to gain the ability to use printed and written information, to function in society, to achieve one's goals, and to enhance one's knowledge and potential.

(10) To encourage all persons who are sixteen years of age or older and not enrolled in school to enroll in an adult literacy program.

C.(1) The office shall define literacy at multiple levels in order to provide a common frame of reference and a system of targeting groups most in need of literacy services.

(2) The levels of literacy shall, at a minimum include the following:

(a) Level One shall include the most minimal skills of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic.

(b) Level Two shall indicate a level of reading, writing, and computation at a level compatible with functioning in society.

(c) Level Three shall include the ability to read, write, and compute at levels equal to more sophisticated occupational demands and personal desires.

D. The office shall be administered by a director, who shall be appointed by the governor to serve at his pleasure. The director shall employ necessary staff to carry out the duties and functions of the office.

Acts 1989, No. 88, §1, eff. June 16, 1989; Acts 1992, No. 278, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:196 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 196
Rules and regulations; state Department of Education's duty to prescribe
Status: in_force

A. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prescribe regulations for the keeping of accounts and records and the making of reports by or under the supervision of the governing authority of each nutrition program provider. These accounts and records shall at all times be available for inspection and audit by authorized officials and shall be preserved for a period of time, not in excess of five years, as the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education may prescribe. The state Department of Education shall conduct or cause to be conducted any audits, inspections, and administrative reviews of accounts, records, and operations with respect to nutrition programs that may be necessary to determine whether its agreements with such governing authorities and regulations made pursuant to this Subpart are effectively administered.

B. The United States Department of Agriculture food programs administered by the state Department of Education pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are nutrition cost reimbursement programs only.

Amended by Acts 1950, No. 275, §1; Acts 2009, No. 279, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2814 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 2814
Consolidation of cooperatives
Status: in_force

Any two or more cooperatives, each of which is hereinafter designated, a "consolidating cooperative," may consolidate into a new cooperative, hereinafter designated the "new cooperative," by complying with the following requirements:

(1) The proposition for the consolidation of the consolidating cooperatives into the new cooperative and proposed articles of consolidation to give effect thereto shall be first approved by the board of directors of each consolidating cooperative. The proposed articles of consolidation shall recite in the caption that they are executed pursuant to this Chapter and shall state:

(a) The name of each consolidating cooperative, the address of its principal office, and the date of the filing of its articles of incorporation in the office of the secretary of state;

(b) The name of the new cooperative and address of its principal office;

(c) The names and addresses of the persons who shall constitute the first board of directors of the new cooperative;

(d) The terms and conditions of the consolidation and the mode of carrying the same into effect, including the manner and basis of converting memberships in each consolidating cooperative into membership in the new cooperative and the issuance of certificates of membership in respect of such converted memberships; and

(e) Any provisions not inconsistent with this Chapter deemed necessary or advisable for the conduct of the business and affairs of the new cooperative.

(2) The proposition for the consolidation of the consolidating cooperatives into the new cooperative and the proposed articles of consolidation approved by the board of directors of each consolidating cooperative then shall be submitted to a vote of the members thereof at any annual or special meeting thereof, the notice of which shall set forth particulars concerning the proposed consolidation. The proposed consolidation and the proposed articles of consolidation shall be deemed to be approved upon the affirmative vote of not less than two thirds of those members of each consolidating cooperative voting thereon at such meeting.

(3) Upon such approval by the members of the respective consolidating cooperatives, articles of consolidation in the form approved shall be executed by authentic act on behalf of each consolidating cooperative by its president or vice-president and its seal shall be affixed thereto and attested by its secretary. The president or vice-president of each consolidating cooperative executing such articles of consolidation shall also make and annex thereto an affidavit stating that the provisions of this Section were duly complied with by such cooperative. Such articles of consolidation and affidavits shall be submitted to the secretary of state for filing as provided in this Chapter.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 257, §14.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1217 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1217
Tenure rights of substitute teachers
Status: in_force

A substitute teacher appointed under the provisions of R.S. 17:1216 shall not acquire any of the tenure rights or privileges provided for in R.S. 17:441 through R.S. 17:444 or in R.S. 17:461 through R.S. 17:463, unless the substitute teacher has subsequently been appointed to fill a regular vacancy and has the necessary qualifications.

Added by Acts 1950, 2nd Ex.Sess., No. 14, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2831 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 2831
Salaries and wages
Status: in_force

No teacher, school bus operator, school lunch worker, janitor or other school personnel shall be employed by any educational cooperative established pursuant to R.S. 17:2801 through 2828 at a salary or wage which is either less than or in excess of any minimum salary schedule or law heretofore adopted by the legislature to govern the salaries or wages of any school teachers, school bus operators, school lunch workers, janitors or any other school personnel.

Added by Acts 1961, 2nd Ex.Sess., No. 4, §2; Acts 2017, No. 335, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:235.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 235.1
Parent orientation; local public school boards; guidelines
Status: in_force

A. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 436, §2(B), eff. June 4, 2014.

B. Each local public school board shall conduct a parent orientation course according to the following guidelines:

(1) The program shall be scheduled to accommodate the attendance of the parents or guardians without the loss of work.

(2) All parents or guardians shall be encouraged to attend as many times as they wish.

(3) The school board shall provide every parent or guardian who attends the program a certificate verifying completion of the course.

(4) At the parent orientation meeting, the school board or its representative shall provide each parent or guardian a copy of and shall explain school board policies which:

(a) Govern the discipline of students, including but not limited to corporal punishment, detention, suspension, and expulsion of students.

(b) Govern the attendance of students and truancy sanctions.

(c) Govern the behavior and decorum expected of students at all times.

(d) Govern dress codes for students for all school functions, including but not limited to in-school and out-of-school functions, including but not limited to dances.

(e) Address parental access to instructional materials as provided in R.S. 17:355.

(f) Address any other such matters as the school board may deem appropriate.

(5) At the parent orientation meeting, the school board or its representative shall explain:

(a) Existing school board grading systems.

(b) Standardized test procedures in effect, including but not limited to preparation for tests, procedures to be followed on the testing days, and an explanation of the assessment of the test results.

(c) Policies governing promotion of students from grade to grade and procedures implemented when a student fails to attain sufficient standards for promotion.

(d) Other such matters as the school board may deem appropriate.

C. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 436, §2(B), eff. June 4, 2014.

D. A local public school board shall schedule not less than three orientation meetings during a school year, and at various times during the day, in order to facilitate attendance with as little inconvenience to the parents or guardians as possible. In order to carry out the intent and purpose of this Section, a school board shall schedule not less than three orientation meetings between March and September of each year, and shall publish notice and otherwise seek to notify parents or guardians whose children may enter a school in the system about the availability of and schedule for orientation meetings.

E. Repealed by Acts 2012, No. 1, §4, eff. July 1, 2012.

F. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 436, §2(B), eff. June 4, 2014.

G. The provisions of this Section shall not be applicable to the Webster Parish School Board.

Acts 1997, No. 418, §1, eff. June 22, 1997; Acts 2012, No. 1, §4, eff. July 1, 2012; Acts 2013, No. 329, §1; Acts 2014, No. 436, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 2014; Acts 2014, No. 436, §§2(A), 2(B), eff. June 4, 2014.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3042.61 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3042.61
Legislative findings; purpose; definitions
Status: in_force

A. The legislature finds that there is a critical shortage of food animal veterinarians in the state, and it is the intent of the legislature to provide for an adequate supply of veterinarians who will practice food animal veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana. The legislature further finds that funding such a supply of food animal veterinarians is a public purpose and, pursuant to Article VII, Section 14 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the legislature intends to provide for a cooperative endeavor to effectuate such purpose.

B. It is the purpose and intent of this Chapter to provide for loans to eligible applicants who will obtain doctor of veterinary medicine degrees from schools of veterinary medicine which will qualify them to become food animal veterinarians. Additionally, the purpose of such loans shall be to bring about an adequate supply of capable food animal veterinarians by inducing a sufficient number of the graduates of the schools of veterinary medicine of this state to remain in Louisiana to practice food animal veterinary medicine.

C. For the purposes of this Chapter, a school of veterinary medicine shall be defined as any veterinary college or division of a university or college in Louisiana that offers the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent and that conforms to the standards required for accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association and approved by the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Acts 2004, No. 809, §1, eff. July 12, 2004.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:100.12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 100.12
Systemwide needs program
Status: in_force

A.(1) There is hereby established for each school district as defined in R.S. 17:100.11(I) a systemwide needs program. The program shall be funded, structured, and operated as provided in this Section and by policies adopted by the school board.

(2) The purpose of the program is to direct initiatives that will result in districtwide improvements in areas that can be more efficiently and effectively addressed at the system level than at the school level.

B. The school district shall create a special fund for the purpose of dedicating money to the program. The district shall annually deposit into the fund one hundred twenty dollars per student in the district less the district's expenditures that year for costs identified in R.S. 17:1990(C)(2)(a)(iii)(aa)(I) through (IV). The office provided for in Subsection C of this Section shall receive ten dollars per student in the district from the fund. The school board may adjust this amount on an annual basis by the lesser of the most recent annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index published by the United States Department of Labor or the percentage increase in the minimum foundation program formula funds from the prior to the current year.

C. The school board shall create an office to manage and oversee the program. To the extent that funds are available, the office shall perform the following functions:

(1) Oversee the planning, development, engagement, and execution of the improvement plans provided for in Subsection D of this Section.

(2) Collect, analyze, and report on systemwide needs program performance data.

(3) Track key plan and program outputs, performance outcomes, and expenditure of funds.

(4) Monitor service offerings by funding recipients and tracking performance objectives.

(5) Perform administrative tasks related to the competitive process provided for in Subsection F of this Section, data management, and program budgeting.

(6) Oversee contract development and management.

D. The superintendent shall:

(1) Develop and propose plans for improvement in particular areas of focus. The superintendent shall propose an improvement plan to use the systemwide needs fund to support one or more areas of focus for no less than three years and shall propose new areas of focus and improvement plans for school board approval not more frequently than once every three years. The superintendent shall develop such plans and proposed areas of focus in collaboration with school leaders in the school district as more specifically provided by school board policy.

(2) Include related performance objectives and a proposed level of funding in any plan for improvement in an area of focus.

(3) Submit such plans to the school board for approval; such approval requires a majority vote of the entire membership of the board. The superintendent shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the school board that an area of focus will impact at least fifty percent of the public school students or fifty percent of the public schools over the course of the funding cycle for the area of focus.

(4) Consider how the expenditures from the fund could be coordinated with other funds in order to increase the effectiveness of the program.

(5) Annually report to the school board on the performance objectives and the expenditure of funds for the program.

E. The school board may approve a plan and proposed areas of focus and appropriate expenditures from the fund therefor.

F.(1) The superintendent shall implement an approved plan by awarding funds through a competitive process according to policies developed by the school board. Funds may be expended directly by the district. Funds awarded to schools may be used only for the following purposes:

(a) Procuring materials, services, or other supports from district-approved organizations or vendors.

(b) Providing services for students systemwide that are aligned with one or more board-approved areas of focus.

(2) An applicant for funds shall demonstrate how the proposed good or service will contribute to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the approved plan.

(3) An applicant for funds shall demonstrate that at least twenty-five percent of the funds it will expend to achieve its proposal are from sources other than this program.

(4) Funding applications shall be approved according to school board policy. No expenditure shall be made from the fund except as provided in this Subsection. No expenditure of funds shall be made in excess of the amount approved by the school board for a particular area of focus.

Acts 2019, No. 430, §1; Acts 2023, No. 55, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2115.8 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 2115.8
Athletic teams
Status: in_force

No law, rule, or policy shall prohibit members of athletic teams at any public elementary and secondary school from engaging in voluntary, student-initiated, student-led prayer.

Acts 1995, No. 264, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2811 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 2811
Division and redivision of territory into districts
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, or any other statute, the by-laws may provide for the division and redivision of the territory served or to be served by a cooperative into two or more districts. In such case the by-laws shall prescribe the manner in which the several districts shall function with respect to the nomination and election of directors and otherwise, and may provide for the election and powers of district delegates. No member at any district meeting and no district delegate at any meeting shall vote by proxy or by mail.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 257, §11.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:429 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 429
Educational leadership certification; qualifications
Status: in_force

The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall grant an individual who meets all of the following criteria an educational leadership certificate indicating eligibility for employment as a supervisor, director, or coordinator of special education for a public school system:

(1) Has completed a graduate degree program from a regionally accredited institution of postsecondary education.

(2) Has completed at least two hundred forty hours of leadership experiences at the school or district level as defined by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education pursuant to rules and regulations.

(3) Has achieved a passing score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment or other equivalent assessment as determined by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education pursuant to rules and regulations.

(4) Holds a valid Louisiana ancillary certificate and meets any of the criteria for an evaluation coordinator in any of the following areas pursuant to State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education rules and regulations:

(a) Assessment teacher, educational consultant, or educational diagnostician.

(b) Certified school psychologist.

(c) Speech-language pathologist, speech and hearing therapist, or speech-hearing-language specialist.

(d) Qualified school social worker.

(e) Audiologist.

(5) Has at least three years of experience working with students in his area of certification.

Acts 2016, No. 130, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:128 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 128
Contracts; bids
Status: in_force

When required so to do by existing state law, all contracts for public works or for materials and supplies ordered by the Orleans Parish School Board shall be advertised by the board in accordance therewith. The board shall have the right to appoint, by proper resolution, a committee consisting of three or more of its employees to publicly open all bids at the time and place specified in the advertisement, outside of the presence of the board. The committee shall then tabulate all bids so received, and furnish the board with said written tabulation. The board shall then let the contract, or reject all bids, within the time specified in the advertisement.

Acts 1960, 3rd Ex.Sess., No. 4, §1, emerg. eff. Jan. 12, 1961.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1926 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1926
Reports
Status: in_force

The governance board shall present a strategic plan and annual progress report to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, the Louisiana Board of Regents, and Louisiana Economic Development not later than February first of each year. The governance board shall make such other reports as are required by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 41, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:5101 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 5101
Initial eligibility for program awards; students displaced by certain natural disasters; waivers and exceptions; limitations
Status: in_force

A.(1)(a) The legislature finds that due to the effects of natural disasters declared by the governor on August 26, 2005, relative to Hurricane Katrina, and on September 20, 2005, relative to Hurricane Rita, it is in the best interest for the education of the people of the state that initial eligibility requirements established in Part I of this Chapter for awards pursuant to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students be modified as provided by this Section for the 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 school years for students displaced as a result of the disasters.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section to the contrary, all modifications of initial eligibility requirements established in Part I of this Chapter for awards pursuant to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students provided by this Section for the 2005-2006 school year for a displaced student and for a dependent student pursuant to the provisions of Subitems (B)(1)(c)(ii)(aa) and (bb) of this Section shall be applicable to a displaced student and a dependent student, as applicable, for the 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 school years.

(2) For the purposes of this Section, the phrase "a student displaced as a result of the disasters", hereinafter referred to in this Section as a "displaced student", shall mean a student who meets either or both of the following conditions:

(a) The student, on August 26, 2005, was enrolled in a public high school or a nonpublic high school having the approvals by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education required by Part I of this Chapter for program eligibility purposes and such school was located in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, or Washington Parish or the student resided in such a parish and was enrolled in a home study program approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(b) The student, on September 20, 2005, was enrolled in a public high school or a nonpublic high school having the approvals by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education required by Part I of this Chapter for program eligibility purposes and such school was located in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, St. Mary, Terrebonne, or Vermilion Parish or the student resided in such a parish and was enrolled in a home study program approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

B.(1) Relative to initial eligibility requirements for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award applicable to a student displaced during the 2005-2006 school year, the administering agency, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, shall provide by rule as follows:

(a) A displaced student who has been certified by the principal or headmaster to have graduated during the 2005-2006 school year from an out-of-state high school that meets the criteria to be an eligible out-of-state high school as provided in R.S. 17:5029 shall not be required to have for the respective awards a higher minimum composite score on the ACT or on the SAT than required for a student who graduates from an eligible Louisiana high school provided such student has, for a TOPS-Tech Award or Opportunity Award, a cumulative high school grade point average on all courses on the high school transcript of at least 2.50 calculated on a 4.00 scale or, for a Performance or Honors award, a cumulative high school grade point average on all courses on the high school transcript of at least 3.50 calculated on a 4.00 scale.

(b) The program requirement that a student who graduates from an eligible Louisiana high school during the 2005-2006 school year must have successfully completed the applicable core curriculum shall be waived for a displaced student upon proper documentation by the student's high school principal or headmaster or authorized designee that failure to comply with such requirement is due solely to the fact that the required course or courses were not available to the student at the school attended.

(c)(i) A dependent or independent displaced student shall be deemed to meet the residency requirements for a program award if such student actually resided in Louisiana during his entire eleventh grade year of high school and was enrolled for such time in an eligible Louisiana high school or, for dependent students, if the displaced student has a parent or court-ordered custodian who actually resided in a parish listed in Subparagraph (A)(2)(a) of this Section for at least the twelve months prior to August 26, 2005, or in a parish listed in Subparagraph (A)(2)(b) of this Section for at least the twelve months prior to September 20, 2005.

(ii)(aa) A parent or court-ordered custodian of a dependent student who is eligible for a program award pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 17:5029, relative to students who graduate from certain out-of-state high schools, and who was displaced as a resident from a parish listed in Subparagraph (A)(2)(a) of this Section due to Hurricane Katrina shall be deemed to meet program residency requirements if such parent or court-ordered custodian actually resided in Louisiana for at least the twelve months prior to August 26, 2005.

(bb) A parent or court-ordered custodian of a dependent student who is eligible for a program award pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 17:5029, relative to students who graduate from certain out-of-state high schools, and who was displaced as a resident from a parish listed in Subparagraph (A)(2)(b) of this Section due to Hurricane Rita shall be deemed to meet program residency requirements if such parent or court-ordered custodian actually resided in Louisiana for at least the twelve months prior to September 20, 2005.

(d) A displaced student who during the 2005-2006 school year successfully completes at the twelfth grade level a home study program approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall be eligible for program awards by complying with the provisions of R.S. 17:5029, relative to certain students who have successfully completed home study programs approved by the state board. In such case, the statutory requirement that a student, if ever enrolled in an eligible Louisiana high school, must have begun his approved home study program no later than the conclusion of the tenth grade year shall not apply to the displaced student.

(2)(a)(i) Relative to initial eligibility requirements for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award applicable for the 2005-2006 school year to a displaced student, the administering agency, in consultation with the commissioner of higher education and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, shall by rule waive any provision of Part I of this Chapter that imposes on such displaced student a program requirement or condition that such student cannot comply with or meet when it is determined by the administering agency that a failure to comply with the requirement or meet the condition, more likely than not, is due solely to a consequence of Hurricane Katrina or Rita, or both.

(ii) Relative to initial eligibility requirements for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award applicable for the 2005-2006 school year to any student displaced during the 2005-2006 school year as a consequence of a disaster or emergency other than Hurricane Katrina or Rita and for which the governor declares a state of emergency to exist, the administering agency, in consultation with the commissioner of higher education and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, shall by rule waive any provision of Part I of this Chapter that imposes on such student a program requirement or condition that the student cannot comply with or meet when it is determined by the administering agency that a failure to comply with the requirement or meet the condition, more likely than not, is due solely to a consequence of the declared disaster or emergency.

(b) In addition to provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act relative to oversight by the legislature of the adoption of administering agency rules, the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, in accordance with procedures and threshold amounts established by the committee, shall have oversight and approval authority over any rule proposed for adoption pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph that has a significant program or other cost, or both, to the state.

C. The administering agency shall take all administrative action necessary to expedite full implementation of the provisions of this Section. The administering agency also shall disseminate information to displaced students and others regarding program changes pursuant to the provisions of this Section in the most timely manner possible.

Acts 2015, No. 227, §1; Acts 2017, No. 97, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3366 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3366
Assistance to college or university sponsored organizations in construction or maintenance of house
Status: in_force

Each board may assist any college or university sponsored organization under the supervision of said college or university in the erection, construction or maintenance of facilities on the grounds of the university by unconditionally endorsing or guaranteeing any loan heretofore or hereafter made by any person for such purpose, and in such a manner, for such terms, and on such conditions as the board deems advisable. No such loan shall be so endorsed or guaranteed until the amount, terms and conditions of the loan have been approved by the State Bond Commission; however, this requirement shall not apply to loans endorsed or guaranteed prior to the effective date of this Subpart, or to renewals of such loans.

Added by Acts 1975, No. 313, §2, eff. July 17, 1975.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3041.25 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3041.25
Funding
Status: in_force

Implementation of the program shall be subject to the appropriation of funds by the legislature for this purpose.

Acts 2004, No. 894, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:168 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 168
Cities or parishes with 300,000 or more population; extra duties of school bus operators
Status: in_force

No city or parish school board in cities or parishes with a population of 300,000 or more shall require any person employed as a school bus operator to perform the duties of any other job unless the operator consents thereto and the board agrees to pay such operator additional compensation for performing any duties not within the scope of his employment as a school bus operator.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 475, §1; Acts 2017, No. 335, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3050.4 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3050.4
Funding
Status: in_force

A. The legislature annually shall appropriate to the administering agency funds which, together with any other funds available, are sufficient to cover the grants awarded by the state pursuant to this Chapter and the cost of administering the program.

B. All tuition grants shall be paid by the administering agency directly to the institution to which such tuition is due after notice to the institution that the state shall pay, on behalf of the qualifying student, the applicable amount stipulated in this Chapter, and after notice from the institution, that the student has actually enrolled.

C. The administering agency may seek, accept, and expend funds from any source, including private business, industry, foundations, and other groups as well as any federal or other governmental funding available for this purpose.

D. Implementation of the GO-Youth ChalleNGe Program shall be subject to the availability of funds for this purpose.

Acts 2003, No. 826, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2019, No. 402, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:2804 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 2804
Powers of cooperative
Status: in_force

A cooperative may:

(1) Sue and be sued, in its corporate name;

(2) Have existence for a period of not more than ninety-nine years;

(3) Adopt a corporate seal and alter the same at pleasure;

(4) Plan, acquire, offer and provide all types of elementary and secondary educational services;

(5) Plan, acquire, offer and provide all types of educational facilities necessary and offer, sell and issue notes, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness;

(6) Make loans to persons to whom educational services will be supplied by the cooperative for the purpose of, and otherwise assist such persons in, constructing, maintaining and operating educational facilities;

(7) Become a member in one or more other cooperatives or corporations or own stock therein;

(8) Construct, purchase, take, receive, lease as lessee, or otherwise acquire, and own, hold, use, equip, maintain, and operate, and sell, assign, transfer, convey, exchange, lease as lessor, mortgage, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber all types of educational facilities, including transportation facilities and any and all kinds of classes of real or personal property whatsoever, which shall be deemed necessary, convenient or appropriate to accomplish the purpose for which the cooperative is organized;

(9) Purchase or otherwise acquire, and own, hold, use and exercise and sell, assign, transfer, convey, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of or encumber, franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights of way and easements;

(10) Borrow money and otherwise contract indebtedness, and issue notes, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness therefor, and secure the payment thereof by mortgage, pledge, deed of trust, or any other encumbrance upon any or all of its then owned or after-acquired real or personal property, assets, franchises, revenues or income;

(11) Construct, maintain and operate educational facilities, subject, however, to the requirements that are imposed by health and safety laws of this state;

(12) Conduct its business and exercise any or all of its powers within or without this state;

(13) Adopt, amend and repeal by-laws; and

(14) Do and perform any and all other acts and things, and have and exercise any and all other powers which may be necessary, convenient or appropriate to accomplish the purpose for which the cooperative is organized.

Added by Acts 1958, No. 257, §4.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1210 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1210
Jury duty leave authorized; salary
Status: in_force

A. Any person who is regularly employed by a city or parish school board shall, upon call or subpoena to serve on a federal, state, or district petit, grand, or trial jury, be granted a leave of absence by such school board for the period of time required for such jury duty. Such leave of absence shall be granted without loss of sick, emergency, or personal leave or any other benefit, and shall not be deemed to interrupt service accumulated toward sabbatical leave.

B. No person who is regularly employed by a city or parish school board shall suffer loss of salary because of being granted such leave of absence; however, for the period of time during which he serves on a jury, such teacher shall be paid the difference between his regular salary as a teacher or other school employee and the amount he receives as a juror. Such teacher or other school employee shall be responsible for reporting such salary difference to the superintendent of the city or parish school system in which he is employed. Each city or parish school board shall enact rules and regulations for the administration of this Section and may establish additional provisions relative to the authorization of leave to perform duties required by the judicial process.

Added by Acts 1980, No. 182, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3399.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3399.5
Standing committees of the Board of Regents and the higher education management boards; cross membership; functions
Status: in_force

A. In addition to any other committee each board determines necessary for the efficient and effective conduct of its business and the conduct of its duties, the Board of Regents and each higher education management board shall maintain the following standing committees:

(1) Finance.

(2) Academic and Student Affairs.

(3) Facilities and Property.

(4) Legislative.

B. In addition to any other committee the Board of Regents determines necessary for the efficient and effective conduct of its business and the conduct of its duties, the Board of Regents shall maintain a Planning and Research Committee.

C.(1) Each standing committee of the Board of Regents listed in Subsection A of this Section shall include, as a member, a member of each of the higher education management boards as designated by each board. If the management board member on any regents committee is unable to attend any meeting, an alternate management board member previously designated by that board may attend and vote on his behalf.

(2) In determining the number of members necessary to have a quorum as well as in determining whether or not a quorum exists, all higher education management board members who are serving on a standing committee of the Board of Regents shall be counted by such committee.

(3) All higher education management board members who are serving on a standing committee of the Board of Regents shall have, as such a committee member, all the same rights and privileges as any other member of the committee, including the right to vote.

Acts 1997, No. 1360, §3, eff. Jan. 1, 1998.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3399.13.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3399.13.5
Retaliation prohibited
Status: in_force

A. An institution shall not discipline, discriminate, or otherwise retaliate against an employee or student who in good faith either:

(1) Makes a report as required by R.S. 17:3399.13.

(2) Cooperates with an investigation, a disciplinary process, or a judicial proceeding relating to a report made by the employee or student as required by R.S. 17:3399.13.

B. Subsection A of this Section does not apply to an employee or student who either:

(1) Reports an incident of power-based violence perpetrated by the employee or student.

(2) Cooperates with an investigation, a disciplinary process, or a judicial proceeding relating to an allegation that the employee or student perpetrated an incident of power-based violence.

Acts 2021, No. 439, §2, eff. June 21, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 472, §2, eff. June 29, 2021.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:424.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 424.3
Credit for teaching in out-of-state public elementary and secondary schools under state minimum salary schedule
Status: in_force

Any teacher holding a valid Louisiana teaching certificate in the public school system of Louisiana who has transferred to Louisiana from the public school system of another state and who, at the time of such transfer, held a valid teacher's certificate from that state shall be given full credit under the state minimum salary schedule provided for in R.S. 17:419-422 for the years of satisfactory teaching service previously rendered in the public school system of that state.

Added by Acts 1977, No. 231, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:407.64 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 407.64
Rules and regulations; inspection requirements
Status: in_force

A. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to carry out the provisions of this Part for those registered family child care providers and in-home providers who participate in the United States Child and Adult Care Food Program or the Child Care and Development Fund.

B.(1) Each registered family child care provider and in-home provider shall be inspected and approved by the office in accordance with this Subsection and the rules and regulations as established pursuant to Subsection A of this Section, developed in consultation with the office of state fire marshal.

(2) Office personnel shall conduct all initial inspections of new and relocated family child care providers. The office shall conduct inspections on all other family child care providers triennially.

(3) Inspections shall be conducted and documented annually, in accordance with the rules and regulations established pursuant to this Section, by the office's authorized agent including but not limited to a representative from a sponsoring organization.

(4) The office shall audit inspections conducted by authorized agents in accordance with the rules and regulations established pursuant to this Section.

Acts 2014, No. 868, §3, eff. Feb. 1, 2015; Acts 2015, No. 297, §1; Acts 2015, No. 354, §2, eff. July 1, 2015; Acts 2022, No. 585, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3993 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3993
Liability
Status: in_force

A. The local school board and its members individually are immune from civil liability for any damages arising with respect to all activities related to the operation of any type of charter school they may authorize as a chartering authority, except as is otherwise specifically provided in a charter.

B. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and its members individually are immune from civil liability for any damages arising with respect to all activities related to the operation of any type of charter school they may authorize as a chartering authority, except as is otherwise specifically provided in a charter.

Acts 1997, No. 477, §1, eff. June 30, 1997.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1977.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1977.2
Board of directors; creation; membership; terms; powers; voting; compensation
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby created a board of directors for the school, referred to in this Part as the "board". The board shall be composed of thirteen members as follows:

(1) Three members appointed by the state-recognized Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe.

(2) One member appointed by the state-recognized Isle-De-Jean-Charles Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Indians of Louisiana.

(3) One member appointed by the governor.

(4) One member appointed by the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana who is an employee of the council.

(5) One member appointed by the Consul General of France in Louisiana.

(6) One member appointed by the Grand Caillou/Dulac Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw.

(7) One member appointed by the Bayou Lafourche Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha Confederation of Muskogees.

(8) One member appointed by the United Houma Nation.

(9) The state superintendent of education or his designee who is an employee of the state Department of Education.

(10) The member of the Louisiana Senate whose district encompasses the location of the school or his designee who is a resident of Pointe-aux-Chenes.

(11) The member of the Louisiana House of Representatives whose district encompasses the location of the school or his designee who is a resident of Pointe-aux-Chenes.

B. The terms of the members of the board shall be four years.

C. Seven members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and all official action of the board shall require the favorable vote of a majority of those members present and voting.

D. The board shall have the authority to do the following:

(1) Accept donations, bequests, or other forms of financial assistance for educational purposes from any public or private person or agency and comply with rules and regulations governing grants from the federal government or from any other person or agency.

(2) Purchase land and equipment and make improvements to facilities necessary for the use of the school in accordance with applicable law.

(3) Lease land or other property belonging to it or to the school, subject to approval of the commissioner of administration and in accordance with law.

(4) Sell or exchange land or other real property not needed for school purposes, but only when specifically authorized by law and then only in accordance with the procedures provided in R.S. 41:892 for the sale of unused school lands. The sale shall be authorized by resolution adopted by the board, and the act of sale shall be signed by the president of the board or such other person to whom the signing may be delegated by the board in the authorizing resolution.

(5) Adopt rules, regulations, and policies necessary or proper for the conduct of the business of the board.

(6) Enter into contracts and agreements which have been recommended by the director, in accordance with applicable law, and to the extent that funds are specifically appropriated therefor, with other public agencies with respect to cooperative enterprises and undertakings related to or associated with an educational purpose or program affecting education in the school. This shall not preclude the board from entering into other such contracts and agreements that it deems necessary to carry out its duties and functions.

(7) Perform such other functions as are necessary for the governance of the school.

E. In addition to the authorities granted by this Section and any powers, duties, and responsibilities vested by any other applicable laws, the board shall:

(1) Adopt rules, regulations, and policies, including a student handbook, that are necessary for the efficient operation of the school.

(2) Prescribe and select for use in the school free textbooks and other materials of instruction for students enrolled in the school.

(3) Select a director who shall be the chief administrative officer of the school and who shall administer the rules, regulations, and policies adopted by the board. The board shall delegate to the director such of its powers and duties as it deems appropriate to aid the director in the efficient administration of his responsibility for the implementation of the policies of the board. The director shall be responsible for all the administrative functions, duties, and needs of the board including but not limited to the following:

(a) Preparing an annual budget necessary for the continued operation of the school and submitting such budget to the board for adoption.

(b) Paying the expenses of the board and its members and the salaries and expenses, including but not restricted to facilities, equipment, and supplies of the faculty and staff of the school out of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the operating and administrative expenses of the board and the school.

(c) Exercising budgetary responsibility and allocating for expenditure by the school all monies appropriated or otherwise made available for purposes of the board and the school.

(d) Developing and annually updating a student handbook including but not limited to all rules, regulations, and policies for the disciplining of students and submitting such handbook to the board for adoption as provided in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.

(e) Determining faculty and staff positions necessary for the efficient operation of the school and selecting personnel for such positions.

(f) Creating an advisory panel of individuals with expertise or interest in matters pertaining to the school.

F. Members of the board shall not receive any compensation for their service as members.

G. The school shall act as its own local education agency.

Acts 2022, No. 454, §1, eff. June 15, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1963 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1963
Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts; creation; location; governance; relationship with educational boards and state superintendent
Status: in_force

A.(1) There is hereby created the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts which shall be a residential institution located on the campus of Northwestern State University of Louisiana at Natchitoches. The school shall open and formally begin operation with the fall semester of 1983. The school shall be funded by the state from monies appropriated therefor; and, full-time students at the school shall attend without payment of tuition.

(2) The official name of the school shall be the "Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts"; however, the school may continue to use "Louisiana School of Math, Science, and the Arts" for all practical purposes as determined by the board.

B. The school shall be governed by a board of directors whose membership, powers, duties, and responsibilities shall be as hereinafter provided.

C. The school shall be independent of the control of the state superintendent and of all local and state education boards except its board of directors.

Added by Acts 1981, No. 932, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1982. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 151, §1, eff. July 12, 1982; Acts 1986, No. 292, §1; Acts 2010, No. 117, §1; Acts 2017, No. 374, §2, eff. June 23, 2017.

NOTE: See Acts 2017, No. 374, §5, relative to school name changes on items and products for the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1684 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1684
Children of school teachers and other school employees; definitions; scholarships for children of teachers and school employees killed or permanently and totally disabled as a consequence of physical assault and battery in performance of duty
Status: in_force

A. Definitions

As used in this Section, the following words and phrases have the meaning ascribed to them in this Subsection unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context:

(1) The term "school teachers and other school employees" shall include only persons employed by a parish or city school board.

(2) "College or university" means any public institution of postsecondary education in this state governed by the Board of Regents, the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, the Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, or the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges.

(3) "Room and board charges" means the fee or charge for lodging, quarters or food furnished by a college or university, on its campus, and for which a regular and periodic charge is made to all students availing themselves of such services.

(4) "Books" means text books, reference books, manuals, and other aids to instruction which are required to be purchased by a student in a given course of study.

(5) "Semester" means a regularly fixed period of instruction for which credit is given whether a semester, quarter, trimester or otherwise.

(6) "Child" means the offspring of a school teacher or other school employee or his spouse living in the same household with and dependent upon the school teacher or other school employee, as the case may be, for support and the offspring of a school teacher or other school employee dependent upon him for support, whether or not living in the same household.

B.(1) Any child of a school teacher or other school employee, when such teacher or other school employee was or is killed or permanently and totally disabled as a consequence of physical assault and battery after June 30, 1976, in the course and scope of the performance of his duties as such, which child is otherwise eligible and meets all of the entrance requirements of a college or university, shall be admitted to such college or university without the payment of any fees for tuition, books or other charges, including room and board charges, as long as such child meets the academic standards and complies with the rules and regulations of such college or university required for attendance therein as a full-time student. Such exemption shall exist for such child for the number of semesters required of a full-time student to obtain one bachelor's degree offered by such college or university. In addition thereto, such child shall be entitled to a cash grant of one hundred twenty-five dollars per semester from such college or university as an allowance for books. Upon approval by the Board of Regents, the Division of Administration shall reimburse the appropriate institution and costs incurred in providing such services for children of school teachers or other school employees killed or permanently and totally disabled.

(2) In no event shall such scholarship exceed eight semesters, or the equivalent of four nine-months school terms, whichever is longer in duration, for any one child.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 74, §1; Acts 2013, No. 220, §6, eff. June 11, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3042.63 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3042.63
Amount; requirements
Status: in_force

A. A loan may be made by the commission pursuant to this Chapter for not in excess of the amount of actual tuition charges to be paid by the student to a school of veterinary medicine, provided such loan is used to defray the tuition of any such applicant at a school of veterinary medicine. Such a loan shall be made at such time, in such amounts, and in such increments as the commission shall determine and as shall be provided in the contract with the applicant as provided in this Chapter.

B. A student for whom a loan is made by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall be required to repay the full amount of the loan and interest thereon to the commission. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the commission shall forgive such a loan to the applicant in return for services rendered by the applicant by practicing his or her profession full time as a food animal veterinarian in the state of Louisiana. A portion of the loan equal to a year's tuition charges together with the interest thereon shall be forgiven for the student by the commission for each year the student practices as a food animal veterinarian in the state of Louisiana as provided in this Subsection.

Acts 2004, No. 809, §1, eff. July 12, 2004.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:187.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 187.5
Funding
Status: in_force

The state action plan established pursuant to this Subpart shall be implemented upon the appropriation of funds for this purpose.

Acts 2022, No. 541, §1, eff. June 17, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3233 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3233
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College; mission, management, and operation; Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award amounts
Status: in_force

A.(1) The Northwest Louisiana Technical College is hereby renamed as the Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and shall continue to serve as a multi-campus public postsecondary education institution. The institution and its programs shall remain under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, subject to the appropriate approval of and oversight by the Board of Regents.

(2) The institution's mission is hereby expanded to include providing a comprehensive educational program that meets the needs of the students and communities within its primary service delivery area. Such program may include career and technical education and training, workforce development training, adult basic education, continuing education, general education, associate degree programs, college transfer degree programs, and other educational programs and opportunities.

B. The Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College may grant certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and associate transfer degrees as authorized by the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and the appropriate regional accrediting body as recognized by the United States Department of Education.

C. The Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College shall provide educational programs and services through its campuses and through any campus that is part of the college or its primary service delivery area.

D. The Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and the Board of Regents shall work closely with the Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and the appropriate accrediting body to ensure that the institution and all program offerings are fully accredited.

E. Any student who is eligible for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award pursuant to Chapter 50 of this Title and attends Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College shall be awarded by the state an amount determined by the administering agency to equal the award amount for technical community colleges pursuant to R.S. 17:5002.

Acts 2019, No. 287, §1; Acts 2020, No. 6, §1, eff. June 4, 2020.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:110 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 110
Immunity of school boards and agents
Status: in_force

No school board or member thereof, nor its agents or examiners, shall be answerable to any charge of libel, slander, or other action, whether civil or criminal, by reason of any finding or statement contained in the written findings of fact or decisions or by reason of any written or oral statements made in the course of proceedings or deliberations provided for under this Sub-part.

Acts 1960, No. 492, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:3351.18 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 3351.18
Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College; digital media program fee; amount; waivers
Status: in_force

A. In addition to the authority granted by any other provision of law, including but not limited to R.S. 17:3139.5, and in accordance with Article VII, Section 2.1 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College may impose at Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge for the Fall 2013 semester and thereafter a digital media program fee for students enrolled in graduate and professional degree programs in digital media in an amount not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars per semester.

B. The authority granted in Subsection A of this Section shall include the authority to impose proportional amounts for part-time students and for summer sessions.

C. The board shall establish criteria for waiving the fee authorized in Subsection A of this Section in cases of financial hardship as determined by the board. Information relative to such waivers and the criteria and procedures for obtaining a waiver shall be made available to all prospective students in a timely manner such that each student is informed of the availability of a waiver prior to the student making a final decision concerning attendance.

Acts 2013, No. 426, §1, eff. June 21, 2013.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:1835 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 1835
Bossier Parish Community College; tuition, fees, and charges
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided for in R.S. 17:1825(C)(1), the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges is authorized to establish tuition amounts and other fees and charges applicable to students attending Bossier Parish Community College that are consistent with tuition amounts and other fees and charges applicable to students attending other public institutions of higher education in the state which offer associate but not baccalaureate degrees.

Acts 1997, No. 1457, §1, eff. July 15, 1997; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 151, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
La. Rev. Stat. § 17:187.1 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 17 / Section 187.1
Short title
Status: in_force

This Subpart shall be known as the "Computer Science Education Act".

Acts 2022, No. 541, §1, eff. June 17, 2022.