Audit report cites Board of Regents’ weaknesses

A report from the state Legislative Auditor’s Office on the top higher education board in Louisiana says there is room for improvement in the way the board operates. The report notes that the Board of Regents’ constitutional responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and exercising budgetary responsibility in higher education. But, the report says, state laws specifically governing the Regents’ budget and planning are vague and unclear, making it difficult for the board to fulfill its responsibilities. One problem noted in the report: The Regents’ ability to fulfill its budgetary responsibility is limited by the constitutional and statutory authority granted to four different higher education systems in Louisiana. Efforts to consolidate the higher education boards have failed in the current legislative session.