Idaho's S 1339 requires all public school districts and public charter schools to create annual strategic performance plans focused on improving student outcomes. These plans must set measurable goals for academic proficiency, growth, college/career readiness, and support for at-risk students, using evidence-based strategies and data. Starting in 2027-2028, schools must submit these four-year plans with annual progress reports to the state education department, which will evaluate performance using a state-developed matrix and recognize top-performing schools. The bill replaces previous continuous improvement requirements and mandates regular board reviews of progress toward these goals.
This bill consolidates Idaho's STEM education programs under the Workforce Development Council by repealing the separate Idaho STEM Action Center structure. It transfers responsibilities like computer science education initiatives, STEM funding oversight, and program coordination to the Council. The key change revises references from "STEM Action Center" to "Workforce Development Council" in all relevant laws, streamlining oversight of K-12 computer science programs and STEM education funding.
This bill requires Idaho public schools to address student online harassment targeting staff or others by creating a process for reporting, investigating, and disciplining students. It defines "inappropriate online behavior" as harassment, threats, or bullying via internet, mobile devices, or social media that harms school employees, students, parents, or volunteers. Schools must investigate reports, notify parents, and impose discipline like warnings, behavior programs, or suspension. The law does not block victims from pursuing other legal remedies.
This bill allocates state funding to Idaho's Division of Career Technical Education for the Secondary and General Programs program over fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It provides $1,877,300 for the 2026-2027 period and $957,600 for the 2025-2026 period, both drawn from the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Fund. The money is designated specifically for trustee and benefit payments related to the program. The legislation includes an emergency declaration to allow Section 2 to take effect immediately upon signing, while Section 1 becomes active on July 1, 2026.
This bill allocates state funding for Idaho's education system for fiscal year 2027, directing money to the State Board of Education, public universities, community colleges, and related agencies. It establishes specific dollar amounts for personnel, operating expenses, and capital outlays for institutions including Boise State, Idaho State, Lewis-Clark State, University of Idaho, and four community colleges. The legislation also sets limits on the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions for certain programs and provides flexibility to transfer funds between expense categories for higher education and health education programs. Additionally, it adjusts student tuition and fees for the upcoming fiscal year and designates funds for standards review, data sharing, and accountability reporting.
H 712 creates the Idaho State Seal of Excellence in Civics program, a voluntary initiative for high school students to earn a diploma endorsement by meeting specific civic education requirements. To qualify, students must complete required social studies courses (with a 3.25 GPA), score 90% on a civics assessment, complete a civics project, and participate in activities like 50 hours of community service or 15 hours of civic engagement. Participating school districts must track eligible students, affix the seal to diplomas, and report annual data, with the state providing the seal and implementation resources at no cost. Schools where 75% or more of seniors earn the seal will be designated as "Idaho Schools of Civics Excellence" and featured in annual state reports.
Idaho bill S 1285 creates a new standard allowing graduates of nonpublic high schools to meet the high school diploma requirement for occupational licenses. The bill amends multiple licensing statutes (including podiatry and mortician licensing) to require that licensing authorities treat nonpublic school diplomas as equivalent to diplomas from accredited public schools or a GED. This change directly affects individuals who graduated from nonpublic schools seeking licenses in professions like podiatry, mortuary science, or other regulated fields. The key mechanism is a new section (67-9419) mandating that licensing boards accept nonpublic school diplomas as fulfilling the standard high school graduation requirement.
This Idaho bill (H 762) revises public charter school admission rules and staff certification requirements. It prohibits charter schools from using a student's home address for admissions and prevents school districts from mandating student attendance or staff assignments at charters. The bill creates new certification paths for charter school administrators (requiring degrees, experience, and background checks) and teachers (with flexible education or career-technical qualifications). These changes directly affect Idaho's public charter schools, their leadership, and teaching staff by standardizing qualifications and contractual relationships with educational service providers.
This bill establishes the Public School Digital Content and Curriculum Fund in Idaho's state treasury, administered by the Idaho Department of Education. It provides state funding for public school districts (including specialized programs like the Idaho Bureau of Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind) to purchase digital content, curriculum, and academic text support systems that directly improve student achievement in areas like reading, math, career readiness, and college preparation. School districts must demonstrate how requested funds (capped at $50,000 per request) will help meet measurable student performance targets outlined in their continuous improvement plans, with funding distributed first-come, first-served based on needs-based criteria. The bill also specifies that funds are continuously appropriated and interest earned must be returned to the fund.
Idaho's H 731 allows the state to join the federal tax credit scholarship program, enabling Idaho families to use state tax credits for private school scholarships. The bill requires the Idaho Department of Education to annually publish a list of qualified scholarship groups, certify the state's authority to participate, and accept submissions from those groups year-round. It ensures Idaho meets federal requirements to participate starting in tax year 2027, with the law taking effect July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects Idaho's education department and scholarship organizations operating within the state.
