The Idaho State Board of Education Thursday approved a legislative proposal to fund full-time kindergarten in Idaho public schools statewide during its meeting at Idaho State University in Pocatello. If the proposal becomes law, parents who choose to send their children to kindergarten would be able to enroll them either full-time or half-time, provided school facilities are available.
Full-time kindergarten was recommended in 2019 by Governor Brad Little’s “Our Kids, Idaho’s Future” K-12 task force. The purpose of the proposal is to better prepare young students to learn once they enter grade school. The estimated cost of statewide full-time kindergarten is estimated to be $42 million annually.
Full-time kindergarten is one of eight legislative proposals approved Thursday by the Board. Other proposals including changing the method for calculating public school funding by basing it on student enrollment, rather than attendance.
Another proposal would establish an educator incentive program, providing funds for teachers if they work in rural or high-need school districts or charter schools. The proposal could award up to $12,000 to teachers over four years if they stay in the program. The money could be used to pay student loans or reimburse teachers for other education-related professional costs. The Board’s proposed legislation will be presented during the 2022 legislative session. (Board of Ed)
