BOISE, Idaho- A bill which will decrease regulations upon Idaho public charter schools will be signed by Idaho Governor Brad Little (R) on Feb. 27.
HB 422, dubbed the Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, will allow public charter schools to receive funding from private donors, opening the door for public schools in Idaho to be co-funded by private religious or political donors. The policy will also lengthen the period of time between charter renewals.
Little argued that the bill will improve rural educational outcomes.
“The Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act will further expand accessibility to charter schools across Idaho, including in rural areas,” Little said.
State Representative Steve Berch (D), one of the few lawmakers to vote against the bill, articulated his reasons for opposing the policy.
“This bill allows outside interests to create a shadow statewide school district under the umbrella of just a few chartered school districts,” Berch said. “I do not support policies that accelerate a preference for one choice at the expense of supporting the traditional public schools that serve over 90% of Idaho students.”
Idaho ranks 40 out of 50 in state educational outcomes according to Education Week, with the Gem State ranking 48 out of 50 in public school funding.
