BESE Committees

BESE functions similarly to the Louisiana Legislature: in order to handle the issues within its vast range of responsibilities, Board members are divided into separate committees, with each committee considering issues related to a specific subject area. Committees then pass their recommendations to the entire Board.

Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement Committee 
Chair: Conrad Appel
Members: Dr. Judy Armstrong, Stacey Melerine
 
The Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement Committee addresses issues related to accountability, academic standards, and assessment. The Committee also engages in policy discussions and decisions related to improving academic performance, closing the achievement gap, red tape reduction, and special/nonpublic school management. The Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement Committee includes a student member, who is selected each year through a competitive process sponsored by the Louisiana Association of Student Councils.

Board Administration and Education Finance Committee
Chair: Kevin Berken
Members: Simone Champagne, Lance Harris, Paul Hollis, Ronnie Morris

The Board Administration and Education Finance Committee addresses Board operations and responses to legislative action. The Committee also performs budgetary oversight of the BESE, Louisiana Department of Education, Recovery School District (RSD), and Special School District (SSD) finances as well as Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) analysis and planning and the 8(g) Grant Program.

Educator Effectiveness Committee
Chair: Dr. Sharon Clark
Members: Sandy Holloway, Ronnie Morris

The Educator Effectiveness Committee addresses issues related to education certification, evaluation, performance, and preparation.  Louisiana’s Teacher of the Year also serves on this committee.

School Innovation and Turnaround Committee
Chair: Preston Castille
Members: Paul Hollis, Ronnie Morris
 
The School Innovation and Turnaround Committee addresses charter school performance, support, and oversight, as well as RSD performance management.