Provides for approval for charter schools that specialize in vocational and technical education to meet workforce demands for high demand and high wage jobs. (8/1/26)

SB 95 Original 2026 Regular Session Edmonds

Present law provides for different types of charter schools according to their authorizer (either a local school board or BESE) and the proposal and authorization process for each, which varies depending on the type of school.

Present law also provides that a Type 2 charter school is a BESE-authorized charter school that operates pursuant to a contract between a nonprofit corporation and BESE. Present law also provides the conditions under which a charter school can be proposed to BESE as a Type 2 charter school without first being proposed to a local public school board as a locally authorized school.

Present law authorizes proposals for charter schools with corporate partners to be made initially to BESE as Type 2 charter school proposals. Present law defines a "corporate partner" to include any legal entity registered with the secretary of state, except those holding gaming licenses. Present law also includes regional airports and any federal or state entity or agency, including public postsecondary education institutions, in the definition of corporate partners.

Proposed law retains present law and also provides that a specialty vocational and technical education charter school is authorized to apply for a Type 2 charter, without a corporate partner, by obtaining a resolution from the La. Board of Commerce and Industry (Bd. of Commerce) indicating a need for vocational and technical education exists in a designated economic sector.

Present law provides for a career diploma as an option in high schools and consists of a career major containing academic courses and technical studies. Present law also requires public high schools to provide students with the opportunity to enroll in available vocational and technical education courses. Present law further provides that, if a high school does not offer vocational and technical education courses, the governing authority of the school may enter into agreements to partner with other public and nonpublic schools to provide available vocational and technical education courses for students.

Proposed law retains present law and also provides that a traditional public school or an existing charter school may also partner with a specialty vocational and technical education charter school to meet the requirements under present law which requires schools to provide students with the opportunity to enroll in available vocational and technical education courses.

Proposed law provides that, if the Bd. of Commerce decides to adopt a resolution of support for a specialty vocational and technical education charter school, the resolution is to include all of the following: (1) The economic sector (geographic area) where jobs are in demand that require vocational and technical education training classes. (2) A list of the types of vocational and technical education training classes or skills that are needed for the jobs in that economic sector.

Proposed law defines "economic sector" to mean the economic development district or the parishes or geographic area surrounding a location where manufacturing, industrial, technology, energy, utility, and other facilities are, or will be, located that require vocational and technical education to support jobs at the facilities. Proposed law provides that gaming corporations may not be considered an "economic sector" for purposes of proposed law.

Proposed law requires an applicant for a vocational and technical education charter school to list the STAR jobs within the designated economic sector and which charter school classes or programs are aligned with the STAR jobs. Present law defines "STAR jobs" (Strategic Targeted Area Resource jobs) as those employment opportunities identified by the La. Works Commission to be high-demand, high-wage jobs and are listed on the commission's website.

Proposed law provides that enrollment in the specialty vocational and technical education may give preference to students whose parents or legal guardians are employed or residing within the economic sector.

Proposed law provides that a charter agreement may provide for board seats on its charter governing board to be held by designated industry representatives located within the economic sector.

Effective August 1, 2026.

(Amends R.S. 17:183.4(B), 3983(A)(2)(a)(i); adds R.S. 17:183.4(B)(4), 3983(A)(2)(a)(v) and 3991.2 and R.S. 51:934)