Education Freedom
Governor Landry believes that parents are the most important voice in their children’s education. This legislation is designed to give Louisiana students and parents the best access to schools, whether public, private or charter.
Expand Louisiana Charter Facilities Funding
Lack of access to affordable facilities is one of the most critical issues facing charter schools across the country. Traditional public schools are able to raise or directly request local funding specifically for facilities. Charter schools cannot do so and instead must use their school operating revenue – meant for classroom instruction – to pay for facilities. Often their operating revenue is already significantly lower than what traditional public schools receive.
A predevelopment subordinate loan fund allows charter schools access to capital with more flexible loan terms, lower interest rates, and reduced loan fees. With this capital they can build and/or upgrade existing facilities.
Pass charter demographics enrollment legislation which would allow the enrollment of the school to match the demographics of the parish in which the school is authorized rather than the school district.
There are 69 school districts in Louisiana but only 64 parishes. School district lines are often drawn for political reasons, while parish lines are more likely to be established and based on geography.
The demographics of students in a public charter school should mirror the demographics of the parish – not the school district – in which the school is authorized.
This legislation allows the formation of a new type of Charter School.
Corporate Charter Schools is an innovative economic development tool that allows Louisiana businesses to partner with a charter school to better meet the education needs of their employees and the greater community. By making a significant investment in the school’s infrastructure – whether donating the land, financial support for renovations or enhancing a school’s technology, – a business partner may reserve up to 50% of the school’s seats for children of its employees while also supporting the needs of other local families as well. It’s a win for regional workforce needs and Louisiana families.
A predevelopment subordinate loan fund allows charter schools access to capital with more flexible loan terms, lower interest rates, and reduced loan fees. With this capital they can build and/or upgrade existing facilities.