Funding in limbo, but Course Choice catalog goes online

Though the Louisiana Department of Education has posted its Louisiana Course Choice program catalog online, the document is clearly marked “tentative,” as the department does not plan on releasing its final, official offerings until the registration system goes online in March. However, the word “tentative” might also refer to the program’s lack of secure funding in light of District Judge Tim Kelley’s ruling last year that struck down the use of MFP funding to pay for the program. As Daily Report has previously reported, the department released a statement expressing its optimism that Kelley’s ruling would be overturned on appeal. However, the state government might now seek another way to keep the program funded if it loses its appeal. “As with any program, the method for funding will be determined through the budgeting processes,” department spokesman Barry Landry says in an email. Landry says the law creating Course Choice was found to be constitutional and requires the department to move forward with implementation. The catalog posted online today does not list all of the providers already approved by BESE. The LDOE has reached nonbinding memorandums of understanding with 25 providers concerning the specific courses they will offer. “By the end of January, the department expects to conclude negotiating these nonbinding agreements with course providers,” Landry says. —Matt Randolph