The Idaho State Board of Education Wednesday approved draft legislation for more than a dozen proposals including permanently shifting to enrollment, rather than daily attendance, as the basis for calculating public school funding.
Enrollment-based funding has been in place since spring 2020, when the Board first used its rule-making authority to make the shift in response to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment-based funding has proven to be a more accurate and stable method for funding school districts and charter schools, which saw daily attendance fluctuate since the pandemic started. The current temporary rule expires when the legislature adjourns sine die next spring.
The Board also approved draft legislative language that would make two small changes in statute that, if approved by lawmakers, would enable the Board to develop an apprenticeship program for teachers. Board staff will work with education stakeholders to develop the program standards that will maintain current overall quality standards. The program will initially be geared for paraprofessionals.
To view a copy of the draft legislation, click here. (Board of Ed)
