The bill establishes the St. George Community School System within East Baton Rouge Parish, creating a separate school board with defined geographic boundaries. It details the structure, membership, qualifications, and election processes for the new school board, while also outlining the responsibilities and powers of the board. The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is mandated to develop a plan for the reapportionment of its districts to ensure equal population representation, and public hearings will be held on these plans. The bill also addresses the transfer of property and assets from the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board to the new school board, effective by June 30, 2027, and includes provisions for student transfers between the two systems.

Additionally, the legislation establishes an interim school board to oversee the St. George Community School System until the elected members take office, with members appointed by the governor. The bill ensures that the establishment of the new school system does not negatively impact other districts financially and outlines the management of post-employment benefits for new employees. It allows students to remain enrolled in their current schools until graduation, with specific provisions for elementary and middle school students. The bill will only take effect if a proposed constitutional amendment is adopted, granting the St. George Community School System the same authority as a parish school system.

Statutes affected:
SB234 Original: 17:2(I)
SB234 Engrossed: 17:2(I)
SB234 Reengrossed: 17:2(I)
SB234 Enrolled: 17:2(I)
SB234 Act 455: 17:2(I)