Funding issues delay City of St. George school district creation bill
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Plans to create a new school district for the City of St. George were delayed after the East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS) raised objections, prompting lawmakers to defer the bill.
Senate Bills 25 and 234, authored by Sen. Rick Edmonds and Rep. Emily Chenevert, seek to allow St. George to break away and form its own school district. The board said it doesn't oppose voters having a say. However, members worry that the current bills would put 'unfair burdens' on the school system.
At the heart of the board's opposition is a $360 million unfunded liability for retiree health and life insurance benefits. The resolution states that SB 234 doesn't clearly explain how to manage this debt if the new district forms. This leaves EBRPSS with all the financial responsibility.
The resolution also criticizes a part of SB 234. This part would let students from the new St. George district access EBR magnet programs forever. Board members say this would reduce chances for EBR students. Many magnet programs already have long waiting lists.
In the resolution, the board said this bill would lock in an unequal system and take control away from both districts. It passed during a special meeting Monday night.
On Tuesday, Edmonds asked the House Education Committee to temporarily defer consideration of SB 234.
SB 25, which passed 8-2 in committee, suggests a constitutional change to fund the new district. However, the board wants lawmakers to delay both bills until they amend SB 234 to address their concerns.
The resolution tells the board's general counsel to send copies to all members of the East Baton Rouge legislative delegation as the bills go to debate in the House.
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