Louisiana education leaders urge approval of LA Gator program amid high application demand

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss the progress and future of the Louisiana Gator program, which is part of the state's educational initiatives. The meeting highlighted significant interest from families in the program, with applications exceeding the governor's budget request of $93 million.

Caleb, a representative from the program, provided an update indicating that outreach efforts to families and schools have been effective. Weekly office hours and direct calls to families have helped increase application rates, with approximately 33,500 applications received so far. Of these, around 29,400 are eligible, and 5,600 students are currently enrolled in the Louisiana Scholarship Program, with 91% of them having applied to the Gator program.

The board discussed the importance of providing a clear financial summary to legislators to help them understand the implications of funding decisions. Senator Bell emphasized the need for a one-page summary detailing the number of approved students and the financial awards, which would aid in legislative discussions.

Concerns were raised about the selection process for applicants, particularly regarding priority groups. The program prioritizes Louisiana Scholarship Program students, students with disabilities, and those from low-income families. However, there is uncertainty about how many applicants will receive funding due to budget constraints.

The board also addressed the timeline for notifying families about funding decisions, which is contingent on the governor's approval of the budget. The fiscal year begins on July 1, and families may not receive official notifications until then.

Superintendent Brummley underscored the urgency of approving the vendor contract for the program, as the current voucher program will end on June 30. Without this approval, there would be no operational framework for the Gator program, impacting both current and future students.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the growing demand for the Louisiana Gator program and the critical need for legislative support to ensure its continuation and effectiveness in providing educational opportunities for students across the state. The board plans to follow up with legislators and provide necessary documentation to facilitate informed decision-making as the legislative session progresses.