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Committee asks Department of Education to study governance of high‑school athletics
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Summary
House Bill 406 directs the Department of Education to study the feasibility, costs and structure of placing oversight of MFP‑funded school athletics under the Department while allowing a nonprofit to handle day‑to‑day operations; sponsor said a legislative study committee found widespread concerns about the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s transparency and consistency.
House Bill 406, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson, asks the Louisiana Department of Education to study whether oversight of interscholastic athletics that involve MFP‑funded schools should move to LDOE and whether day‑to‑day operations could be managed by a nonprofit under a cooperative endeavor agreement.
The sponsor said a six‑month legislative study committee found complaints about inconsistent rule application, delays and limited transparency under the current structure governed by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). "Rules were not consistently being followed," the sponsor told the committee, citing testimony and committee hearings. He described the proposal as a measured, step‑by‑step approach meant to avoid disruption to student competition while ensuring greater public accountability.
Retired principal Christine Rountree testified in opposition, saying LHSAA’s finance, handbook and hardship committees are transparent and audited annually. "We do audits," she said, adding that principals are elected to the executive committee and a large number of schools opposed certain transfer rules when they were presented at the association’s annual convention.
Supporters said the study would examine structure, cost and implementation and report back before the next legislative session. The committee reported HB 406 favorably, authorizing DOE to analyze options and provide a recommendation.
Provenance: topic introduced SEG 1122; committee study history and testimony through SEG 1815.
Speakers attributed: Speaker Pro Tem Johnson; Christine Rountree; Representative Owen; Representative Taylor.
Ending: HB 406 was reported favorably; the Department of Education will study feasibility and report back to the legislature.
