Some Course Choice providers say voucher ruling isn’t affecting their plans

Though at least one company says it plans to tread carefully as long as the future of Louisiana Course Choice remains in limbo, another approved provider says her company is not deterred by District Judge Tim Kelley’s recent ruling that the funding mechanism for the program is unconstitutional. The program allows students access to publicly funded courses outside their schools. “The ruling hasn’t affected us,” says Juana Domingue, executive director of 1 Mind, one of the 45 approved providers for the program. “I’m very positive they will find funding from somewhere else.” Domingue says 1 Mind plans to offer courses in barbering, cosmetology, and oil and gas production to high school students in six parishes in the Capital Region starting in the 2013-14 school year. Courses will be offered through a combination of in-person training and work via online and smartphone apps. The Louisiana Department of Education says in a statement issued to Daily Report that it continues to move forward with the program and is in the process of reaching memorandums of understanding with providers. “We are optimistic this decision will be reversed on appeal,” according to the statement from press secretary Barry Landry. “As with any program, the method for funding will be determined through the MFP or budgeting processes. Next month the Department expects to conclude complete agreements with course providers that will address, among many other issues, tuitions, student learning objectives, quality control and accountability.” You can find an overview of the Louisiana Course Choice program here; and a full listing of those approved to participate here. —Matt Randolph