Development News for Gretna, Louisiana

BESE Declares Emergency and Approves Revisions to Early Learning Regulations Following SB 441

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) convened a special call meeting to consider the declaration of an emergency and emergency revisions to several bulletins in response to SB 441 (Act 587 of the 2026 legislative session). These revisions affect Bulletin 137 (Louisiana Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations), Bulletin 139 (Louisiana Child Care and Development Fund Programs), Bulletin 741 (Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators), and Bulletin 741 (Non-Public Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators). The recommendation was to approve these changes as a declaration of emergency and as a notice of intent. During the discussion, board member Mr. Morris inquired about BESE's future responsibilities, particularly concerning the governance of non-public schools and BESE's engagement. Ashley Townsend from the department clarified that for non-public schools, the governing authority varies, but BESE has the authority to not approve the pre-K portion if there are persistent or egregious violations. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) will monitor public and non-public pre-kindergarten programs with existing staff, and findings will be reported to accrediting agencies or the school's governing authority. Public and non-public schools operating as schools, rather than licensed daycare centers, are exempt from federal daycare regulations and Louisiana Early Learning Center licensing regulations, but must notify parents of this status and provide information on monitoring and complaint procedures. The emergency declaration and notice of intent were approved.