What is BESE?
BESE is the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- The Louisiana Constitution of 1974 created BESE.
- BESE is the administrative body for all Louisiana public elementary and secondary schools.
- A major BESE role is administering the budget for public schools through the MFP (Minimum Foundation Program).
- BESE members do not receive salaries, health benefits, or retirement benefits.
- BESE members get a per diem for each day of meetings at the same rate as Louisiana Legislators.
- The state superintendent (John White) shall be appointed by a two-thirds vote of the total membership of the board, subject to confirmation by the senate.
How many BESE members are there?
The Louisiana BESE includes 11 members total. Eight are elected (one from each of the eight BESE districts in Louisiana) and the remaining three members are appointed by the governor (confirmed by the Louisiana Senate) to represent the state at-large.
How often are BESE members elected?
BESE member are elected every 4 years.
