Back to School

Alex Greig •

books on a shelf in a library

August is here and students are returning to school! As the hot weather, smoke, and harvest dust reminds us of the end of summer, the return of the familiar sights, sounds, and rhythms of the school year brings with it hope, joy, and opportunity. All around our region, thousands of students are returning to classrooms to gain the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their future dreams. Education is a vital component of Latah County’s economic and social life, and our citizens can be confident that Republican leaders continue to advocate for this most essential public and private enterprise.

Idaho GOP leaders supported education during this most recent legislative session through the passage of many key actions. Specific accomplishments included:

  • H 531 DRIVER'S EDUCATION – Allows parents to provide on-road driver's training for their children and requires the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance to make certain driver’s education curriculum available to all Idaho students.
  • H 538 CIVIL RIGHTS – Prohibits governmental entities in the State of Idaho from compelling employees and students to use certain titles and pronouns.
  • H 710a: “Children’s School and Library Protection Act” Prohibits certain harmful materials from being promoted, given, or made available to a minor by a school or public library and provides for a cause of action if such material is not removed.
  • S 1274 HIGHER EDUCATION – Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring diversity statements as a condition of employment or admission.
  • S 1329 PARENTAL RIGHTS – Provides for parental rights in medical decision-making of an unemancipated minor.
  • S 1359 EDUCATION – Increases Advanced Opportunities funding for both public school students and nonpublic school students, removes a spending cap for certain eligible courses, and revises provisions regarding the administration of the program for nonpublic school students.
  • S 1361a EDUCATION – Requires school district boards of trustees to adopt certain rules of procedure for the conduct of their meetings to ensure that patrons of a public school district or charter school have the ability to provide in-person public comment at regular meetings of school boards before the board takes final action on items.

These achievements complement last year’s legislative actions that provided for over $378 million in state general funding for K-12 public schools (a 16.4% increase). This boost included $68 million for public school facilities maintenance and $145 million increase in state funding for teacher pay. Other 2023 education-related legislation included:

  • A return to “attendance-based funding” for schools in order to correct distressing levels of student absenteeism.
  • H 163: Parental notification: requires schools to notify families of significant changes in their health and well-being and empowers parents to be more informed about what is being taught in their child’s classroom.
  • H 267: Career-ready students. This initiative expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) and funding for vocational training in grades 7-12.
  • H 92: Financial literacy. Added a graduation requirement for public high school students to complete a course in personal finance.
  • S 1069: Teacher apprenticeships. Provides a path toward earning a teaching license for individuals lacking a bachelor’s degree.
  • S 1167: Idaho Launch Bill. Provides assistance to students pursuing vocational training.

While these successes are impressive, more work remains to be done. Legislators continue to struggle with the way to best support school choice and this will surely be a major concern during this fall’s elections. Even so, it is clear that Idaho Republicans are upholding their duty “to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools” as described by the Idaho Constitution while at the same time creating a positive environment where ALL educational activities can thrive to meet the highest expectations of students and families.

In Latah County and Idaho at-large, Republicans support education!

Sources

Clark Corbin, I. C. S. M. 14. (2023, March 14). Idaho legislature’s JFAC finishes setting 2024 state budget. Idaho Capital Sun. https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/03/14/idaho-legislatures-jfac-finishes-setting-2024-state-budget/

Flandro, C. (2023, April 22). Critchfield’s take on how the session will impact education. Idaho Education News. https://www.idahoednews.org/news/legislative-roadshow-critchfields-take-on-how-the-session-will-impact-education/

Idaho Legislature. Idaho State Legislature. (n.d.). https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2024/

Liebich, K. (2023, April 22). Public education fares well this legislative session. Idaho Education News. https://www.idahoednews.org/voices/public-education-fares-well-this-legislative-session/

Suppe, R. (2024, July 2). Libraries, pronouns, open enrollment: These new education policies are now in effect. Idaho Education News. https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/libraries-pronouns-open-enrollment-these-new-education-policies-are-now-in-effect/