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
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
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
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
The School Innovation and Turnaround Committee addresses charter school performance, support,
and oversight, as well as RSD performance management. The committee also receives reports on innovative
approaches in Louisiana Schools and new and innovative
approaches relative to student learning.