School boards to have term limits for members

Voters around Louisiana may be sharply divided on many issues, but not on term limits for local school boards.

With Tuesday's vote, school board members across all of Louisiana's public school districts will be limited to three consecutive four-year terms.

Proposals to enact term limits on the boards passed overwhelmingly, winning easily in all 67 school districts where they were on the ballot. The term limit provision passed with at least 70 percent support in each district.

Jefferson and Lafayette parishes already had school board term limits so they didn't vote on the idea.

Supporters said term limits allow for fresh ideas and new people on the boards that determine education policy. Opponents said voters can oust elected officials they don't think are performing well, by refusing to re-elect them.