This bill updates Idaho's career ladder system for school staff, including superintendents, building administrators, and instructional employees, by adjusting how compensation increases are calculated based on experience and performance. It establishes specific pathways for salary progression tied to years of certification, professional endorsements, and performance evaluations, while also creating provisions for career technical education instructors with industry experience to receive equivalent placement on the ladder. The legislation requires school districts to allocate funds based on staff positions on the career ladder, with additional funding for staff who earn advanced degrees or meet specific performance criteria.
This bill requires Idaho school districts and public charter schools to annually share clear information about harassment, intimidation, or bullying (as defined by Idaho law) with all staff, parents, and students, including that staff must intervene. It mandates ongoing professional development for school staff to prevent and address these issues, and requires school policies to include graduated consequences for offenders and procedures for mandatory reporting of incidents leading to student suspensions. Schools must also annually report bullying incidents to the state education department using a standardized format. These changes apply to all Idaho public schools and aim to standardize prevention, response, and reporting practices.
