The Louisiana House Education Committee convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at enhancing the rights and protections of school employees. The primary focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 178, introduced by Senator Jenkins, which seeks to establish a School Employee Bill of Rights.

During the session, several representatives expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing the critical role that school employees, including paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers, play in the educational environment. Representative Young highlighted the importance of recognizing these employees, stating that their interactions with students begin long before they reach the classroom. He noted that the bill does not grant additional disciplinary authority to school employees but aims to provide them with necessary protections.

Lauren Jewett, a national board-certified teacher, also voiced her support for the bill, sharing her experiences working alongside paraprofessionals in her classroom. She underscored the essential contributions of school employees to student success and urged committee members to pass the bill to honor their dignity and rights.

The committee unanimously adopted an amendment to the bill before moving it forward for favorable passage. The meeting concluded with a warm welcome to new committee member Representative Terry Landry, Jr., who expressed his enthusiasm for joining the committee.

Overall, the discussions underscored a collective commitment to improving the working conditions and recognition of school employees, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of their vital role in the education system. The bill's advancement marks a significant step toward enhancing the support and rights of those who contribute to the educational landscape in Louisiana.