Louisiana Constitution ARTICLE VIII. EDUCATION
Louisiana Constitution – Article VIII: Education
Article VIII of the Louisiana Constitution establishes the framework for the state's public education system. Here is a summary of its key provisions:
Section 1. Public Educational System
The legislature must establish and maintain a public educational system.
This system must be free and open to all children of the state.
Section 2. State Superintendent of Education
The superintendent is elected statewide for a 4-year term.
They serve as the chief administrative officer of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
Section 3. State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
Composed of 11 members: 8 elected from districts, 3 appointed by the governor.
The board supervises and controls the public elementary and secondary schools and special schools under its jurisdiction.
It sets minimum standards and policies.
Section 4. Approval of Private Schools
BESE may approve private schools that meet certain minimum standards.
Section 5. School Funds
School funds must be used exclusively for public elementary and secondary education.
Section 6. Higher Education
The Board of Regents oversees public higher education in Louisiana.
Its powers include planning, coordinating, and budgeting.
Section 7. Management Boards for Higher Education
Each system of higher education is governed by its own board:
LSU Board of Supervisors
Southern University Board of Supervisors
University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors
These boards manage day-to-day operations and programs of their respective institutions.
Section 8. Parish School Boards
Each parish (except Orleans) must have an elected school board to manage local schools.
Section 9. Orleans Parish School Board
The Orleans Parish School Board has powers similar to those of other parish boards but may be subject to special provisions.
Section 10. Funding
The Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) ensures adequate and equitable school funding.
The MFP is developed by BESE and requires legislative approval.
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