Business Session

LOCAL CONTROL FOR SCHOOL SAFETY

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association hereby commits to prioritizing and facilitating local control in the development, implementation, and enforcement of school safety protocols, including decisions to authorize staff to carry firearms or other weapons;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Idaho School Boards Association shall advocate for increased flexibility from state and federal authorities in matters pertaining to school safety, recognizing the unique needs and circumstances of the local community.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of this resolution is to affirm and promote the importance of local control in addressing school safety concerns within our community by empowering local school and charter boards, to play an active role in the development and implementation of school safety measures. Ultimately, this resolution serves as a declaration of our commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and staff. By embracing local control and collaboration, we can build safer schools and stronger communities.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

RECESS TIME & INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association work with the Idaho Legislature to amend Idaho Code §33-512 to allow recess time to be counted as instructional time.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This resolution directs the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) to work with the Legislature to amend existing statute to allow school districts more flexibility in reporting instructional hours to include recess periods, which provide essential physical activity for students, as learning time.

STATUS: WITHDRAWN

FUNDING SAFE AND SECURE SCHOOLS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association work with the Idaho Legislature, State Board of Education, Idaho Department of Education, and other education stakeholders to prioritize and allocate adequate funding for the enhancement of safety and security in schools and urges collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to ensure that all schools, regardless of their financial status, have the resources necessary to protect their students and staff;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this funding should support a wide range of initiatives, including but not limited to:

1. Security Personnel: Hiring and training of school resource officers and security staff.

2. Security Infrastructure: Installation and maintenance of surveillance cameras, secure entry points, alarm systems, and other physical security measures.

3. Mental Health Resources: Provision of counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to address the emotional and psychological needs of students.

4. Emergency Preparedness: Development and implementation of emergency response plans, including regular drills and training for staff and students.

5. Community Engagement: Programs to involve parents, community members, and local law enforcement in school safety efforts.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

School Board Members are statutorily responsible for the safety of the students and staff in each of their school districts and charter schools, and school safety is a general concern of Idaho citizens. The needs of each school district differ and there is not an adequate funding appropriation for this purpose. Districts do receive Safe & Drug Free funding from the sale of tobacco products and lottery winnings. However, “Funding for Safe and Drug Free Schools is generated through taxes on tobacco products and lottery winnings. As such the revenue is dependent upon sales and winnings and can be difficult to estimate. Given this variability, applications will be reviewed, approved and funded as they are received and as revenue is available. If revenue is not available to fund approved applications, payments will be made as soon as the revenue is sufficient” (https://apps2.sde.idaho.gov/SDFS/Home/Home). For this reason, Safe & Drug Free funding is an unreliable funding source, which forces districts to seek voter-approved tax levies or strain existing school budgets. This disparity and variability creates inequity throughout the state. This resolution would direct the ISBA to work with key partners to establish adequate funding that public schools can rely on each year in order to address their individual needs for school safety and security. 

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

INVITING STATE AND LOCAL LEADERS TO SUPPORT DISTRICT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE EARLY LEARNING

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association calls upon state and local leaders, including the Governor, State Legislature, State Board of Education, Idaho Department of Education, and local government officials to prioritize and support early learning initiatives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that state and local leaders are encouraged to work collaboratively with school districts and charter schools to provide the necessary resources and flexibility to implement high-quality early learning programs that meet the needs of their communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this support includes advocating for policy changes, securing funding, and promoting awareness of the importance of early childhood education; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Idaho School Boards Association is committed to partnering with state and local leaders, educators, families, and community organizations to ensure all Idaho children have access to the early learning opportunities they need to succeed in school and life.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of this resolution is to invite and encourage state and local leaders to prioritize and support efforts to improve early learning in Idaho. By working together, we can provide school districts and charter schools with the resources and flexibility needed to ensure that all children are prepared for kindergarten and beyond. This resolution seeks to foster collaboration and commitment among all stakeholders to address the critical need for early childhood education in our state.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

RESTORATION OF LOTTERY FUNDS FOR SCHOOL MAINTENANCE

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association work with the Idaho Legislature to amend Idaho Code §67-7434 to return Lottery Funds to the school district building account.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This resolution directs the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) to work with the legislature to re-establish necessary routine and ongoing maintenance for school facilities with the Idaho Lottery or other fund source. The approximate funding gap lost in HB 521 for school districts and charter schools is $29 million.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

MODIFICATION TO IDAHO CODE 33-802(3) TO INCREASE THE TERM OF SUPPLEMENTAL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION LEVIES FROM A MAXIMUM OF 2 YEARS TO A TERM NOT TO EXCEED 6 YEARS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association work with the Idaho State Department of Education, Idaho State Board of Education, and the Idaho Legislature to amend Idaho Code Section 33-802(3) Supplemental Maintenance and Operation levies as follows:

(3) Supplemental Maintenance and Operation Levies. No levy in excess of the levy permitted by this section shall be made by a noncharter district unless such a supplemental levy in a specified amount and for a specified time, from one (1) year to a maximum of six (6) years, be first authorized through an election held subject to the provisions of section 34-106, Idaho Code, and pursuant to title 34, Idaho Code, and approved by a majority of the district electors voting in such election. A levy approved pursuant to this subsection may be reduced by a majority vote of the board of trustees in the second year.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Revising Idaho Code 33-802(3) to allow Supplemental Maintenance and Operation Levies to be approved by voters for a period of up to 6 years would allow school boards to propose a reasonable levy term that would work in their community without the fear of a “permanent” levy as the only other option. The current two-year maximum term leaves districts spending an enormous amount of time and money to renew Supplemental Maintenance and Operation levies every other year. Providing longer options for the term will allow districts to operate with greater financial stability for a longer period of time and create stability among staff to focus on their primary purpose of education, while still setting a limit for boards and electors to reassess.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

SMALL SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE SPOUSAL EMPLOYMENT

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association work with the Idaho Legislature to amend Idaho Code 33-507 (3) to allow small school districts, with an enrollment no greater than 250 students, to hire spouses of school board members through their normal hiring process and retain them without re-opening the position each year. The trustee(s) in question would abstain from being involved in any part of the hiring, employment, or compensation process. Spouse may only be employed in a non-administrative position.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The intent of the resolution is to develop a process by which small school districts, sub-250 student enrollment, could employ the spouse of one of their trustee members with said trustee member remaining on the school board as sometimes it is quite difficult in a small community to fill both board and staff vacancies with the current rules in place. This provision would not apply to public charter schools, as their boards are not elected.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD:  DO PASS

IN OPPOSITION TO DIVERTING PUBLIC DOLLARS TO PRIVATE OR PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS INCLUDING VOUCHERS, THE GRANTING OF TAX CREDITS FOR SCHOLARSHIP DONORS, OR AMENDING ARTICLE IX, §5 TO ALLOW PUBLIC FUNDS TO BE USED FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association strongly oppose any effort to divert public dollars to private or parochial schools, grant tax credits for tuition, costs, or scholarship donations, or amend the Constitution of the State of Idaho, Article IX, §5, Idaho Code, also known as the Blaine Amendment, to allow public dollars to finance private or parochial education in the K-12 education system of the State of Idaho.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

School choice is an integral part of public education in the state of Idaho. Public school choice includes charter, magnet, at-risk alternative, virtual, and traditional schools where dual language, classical, harbor, international, Montessori, Career Technical, STEM, and STEAM programs, etc. are offered. These programs are an integral part of what public education already offers across Idaho, funded by state tax dollars.

The Heritage Foundation ranks Idaho’s current (2023) investment in our children’s public schools as the lowest in the country. Reducing the general fund by offering a tax credit for tuition, costs, and donations to scholarship programs or diverting already scarce resources to provide vouchers to private schools will further erode funding to current public schools all across Idaho. If our state constitution is changed, Idaho’s investment in public education will become even smaller as our taxes will be siphoned off to unaccountable private and parochial schools.

States that have implemented vouchers have had detrimental effects with little to no positive impact. In Indiana, vouchers have led to a decrease in public school funds and an increase in taxes. In Arizona, the original cost estimate for their program was $65 million. The cost to the state’s taxpayers for vouchers has increased to $723.5 million (FY24) in just two years since implementation. That amount exceeds the total of all education bonds and levies in Idaho.

In Arizona, 80% of voucher recipients were already attending private schools prior to the adoption of the voucher program, meaning an increase in costs to the taxpayers by adding new students to the state budget. On top of that, only 5% of voucher recipients are from rural or low-income areas. 

Private schools are also not accountable to the state, and as recently proposed, private/parochial schools/parents would have no accountability for the tax dollars that have been given. There would be nothing to ensure the students in the private schools are receiving a quality education in exchange for tax dollars. Private schools rarely accept or support special education students leaving those students without equitable access to a voucher program. There would also be no way to prevent a private school from increasing their tuition costs by the exact amount of the state voucher ensuring that no new students could afford to attend the school, but allowing the private school to greatly increase their revenue at the expense of the taxpayers. This has the opposite effect of creating a level playing field for a competitive education system. It puts public schools at a great disadvantage as they operate within the strict requirements of the state and with reduced funding.

A voucher, tax credit, or scholarship program would irreparably harm our existing system of public school districts and charters, especially in rural Idaho, and would likely harm overall student achievement. For the reasons outlined above, we oppose amending the Idaho State Constitution, Article IX, §5. Idaho already has substantial choice in its public school system.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

EMPLOYMENT OF BOARD MEMBER SPOUSES

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association support changes to section 33-507, Idaho Code, to provide greater latitude and clarity to provide for the employment of spouses of governing board members in all classified and non-administrative certificated positions in Idaho public schools; and

FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that when such certificated non-administrative personnel are employed, that such individuals be provided credit for all consecutive years of service to the same public school district in the determination of contract status pursuant to sections 33-514 and 33- 515, Idaho Code, rather than being solely limited to a Category 1 Standard Contract status.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Idaho’s public school districts are the only public entity within the state of Idaho for which the legislature has limited employment of spouses of governing board members. This has limited the individuals which can be hired in positions of teaching and classified positions, for which Idaho public school districts have had difficulty in recruitment and retention in the past decade. This limitation is unnecessary and, since the amendment of section 33-507, Idaho Code, first allowing for limited employment of spouses of governing board members by Idaho public schools, there have been no improprieties alleged in association with such employment. Further, this resolution specifically excludes the employment of certificated administrative personnel, which prevents any concern for legislators relating to the possibility of inappropriate influence. This resolution calls for changes to aid in addressing personnel limitations and recognizes the need for highly skilled and willing personnel resources, critical for the educational advancement of Idaho’s public school students.

STATUS: WITHDRAWN

CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PERSONNEL FUNDING LATITUDE

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association support changes leading to greater latitude and flexibility for Idaho public schools to receive and provide compensation for career technical education personnel. This could be addressed with additional revenues for hiring and retaining such hard to fill personnel positions and/or changes to the Idaho Code provisions allowing for greater latitude in CTE funding sources, and/or directive of the Idaho Legislature for the Office of Performance Evaluation to study all available options for additional funding resources and/or flexibility for Idaho public schools to utilize state and/or federal career technical education funding.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Idaho’s students have demonstrated increased interest in CTE pathways for future career options, necessitating Idaho’s public schools to provide for educational activities supporting these interests from a very limited pool of qualified and available educators who specialize in CTE pathways.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

REPLACING A REVOLVING LOAN GRANT FUND FOR SCHOOL FACILITIES WITH A NEEDS-BASED GRANT

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association work with the Idaho State Legislature to revise and expand what used to be known as the “School Safety and Health Revolving Loan and Grant Fund” that would distribute moneys to school districts and charter schools based on needs. The purpose could be for financing of construction, remodel, and maintenance of school facilities. The application could include a detailed plan for the facility project, details concerning the facilities’ current condition, projected costs related to the project, the estimated bond request including previous requests, and a statement of financial condition. The fund could gain up to $25 million in appropriate, and preference shall be given to school districts who receive less than $5 million in a 10-year period.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Despite significant investments from the Idaho State Legislature, many school districts will struggle to repair or replace their aging school buildings. Replacing this outdated revolving loan grant fund with one that distributes funds based on need, and prioritizes small, rural school districts, is a more equitable and reasonable way to ensure rural schools can provide safe and adequate facilities for Idaho students.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

CREATE AUTHORITY FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO CHOOSE A LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX TO FUND SCHOOLS IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAX LEVIES

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association drafts and supports legislation that authorizes school districts within its jurisdiction to propose and implement a local option tax, subject to voter approval, to fund their local public schools.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of the local option tax shall be to generate additional revenue to supplement state and federal funding for public education, thereby enhancing the quality of education provided to students within the school district. The imposition of a local option tax shall require approval by a majority vote of the electorate within the school district, and school districts that implement a local option tax shall ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the funds. The local option tax shall be implemented for a specified duration, as determined by the school district and approved by the voters. At the end of this period, the tax shall be subject to review and re-approval by the electorate to ensure continued support and effectiveness

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: NO RECOMMENDATION

AMENDING IDAHO SCHOOL AGE STATUTE TO ALLOW FLEXIBILITY FOR SCHOOL PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association work with the State Board of Education, State Department of Education, and the Idaho Legislature to revise Section 33-201 and Section 33-208, Idaho Code, thereby providing school districts and charter schools with the flexibility to use state dollars to support school readiness with the understanding that such programs, like kindergarten, will not be compulsory or mandated, allowing school districts and charter schools to address the needs of their local students.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Currently Section 33-201, Idaho Code, prevents school districts and charter schools from using state dollars to support kindergarten preparedness programs for four-year-olds. By amending the current age, it will allow flexibility for local districts and charter schools to use state dollars as they see appropriate in supporting children entering kindergarten. There are no dollars attached to changing the code. It simply allows school districts and charter schools more choice in using the funding they receive in a manner that best fits their local community. This resolution would not amend the age threshold for a child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade. Nor would it be compulsory for local districts or charters to establish such programs.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

REGARDING THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION OF THE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the members of the Idaho School Board Association recognize the foundational, historical, and educational significance of the Declaration of Independence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the members of the Idaho School Board Association invite all administrators, school employees, students, volunteers and parents to recognize and join in the planning and celebration of the commemoration of the 250th year of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of The United States of America throughout the semiquincentennial year 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the members of the Idaho School Board Association do hereby commit to proclaiming the 2025-2026 school year a year of commemoration and reflection on the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and encourage all public and charter school administrators, teachers, staff, and students to plan and incorporate activities that are in accordance with such a momentous occasion.

STATUS: WITHDRAWN

ADDRESSING FUNDING SHORTFALLS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS AND PROMOTING INCREASED FUNDING THROUGH STATE DISCRETIONARY LINE-ITEM DISTRIBUTION

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

That the Idaho School Boards Association urges the Idaho State Legislature to revise the state’s funding formula to increase allocations through the state discretionary line-item distribution specifically for full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment of student subpopulations, including special education, literacy, at-risk, and low-income students.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that be revised funding formula should ensure that school districts receive adequate financial support to meet the requirements of IDEA and other federal mandates, thereby reducing the financial burden on local districts and promoting equity in educational opportunities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED  the Idaho State Legislature should commit to regularly reviewing and adjusting the funding formula to reflect the actual costs of providing high-quality education to all student populations, ensuring that funding keeps pace with inflation and changing educational needs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Idaho School Boards Association supports the inclusion of specific provisions in the state budget to increase discretionary funding for school districts, emphasizing the importance of targeted financial support for special education, literacy programs, at-risk students, and low-income students to foster a more inclusive and effective educational environment for all.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This resolution reflects the commitment of the Cassia Joint School District Trustees to advocate for fair and adequate funding that addresses the diverse needs of all students, ensuring compliance with federal mandates and promoting educational equity across the state of Idaho.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

PROVIDING ADDITIONAL MATH AND SCIENCE FUNDING TO SMALL SCHOOLS TO HIRE ADDITIONAL TEACHERS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association shall draft legislation to amend I.C 33-1021 so that schools with an enrollment of 99 or less, receive the equivalent of one-quarter (.25) instructional staff positions, schools with an enrollment of 100 to 159 receive the equivalent of one half  (.50) instructional staff positions, and schools with an enrollment of 160 to 319, receive the equivalent of three-quarters (.75) instructional staff positions based on the statewide average funding per position.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Idaho Code 33-1021 allocates funds for schools to hire additional high school math and science teachers or cover related costs. However, funding a fraction of a classified position (1/9 or 2/7) is insufficient for hiring additional teachers or covering course expenses. Idaho Code 33-1021 should be amended to provide additional funding to small schools.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

SWAPPING THE CIP (Continuous Improvement Plan) FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association lead efforts to dissolve the CIP in favor of the Strategic Plan (while maintaining accountability measures of the CIP) to focus on improving the student performance of the district.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This resolution directs the Idaho School Boards Association to actively pursue avenues to eliminate the CIP (Continuous Improvement Plan) as a required document of the State Board of Education in favor of replacing such requirement with the existing and more long-term and inclusive strategic plan. It is understood that current requirements of the strategic plan may need to be modified to be more inclusive of student performance data and related requirements that will better equip school boards and influence their support of student learning.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS

RESOLUTION TO AMEND IDAHO CODE 33-1003 REGARDING SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPPORT UNITS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that the Idaho School Boards Association strongly advocates for the deletion of the sentence: “After applying the provisions of this subsection, the state department of education shall calculate the percentage of additional statewide support units to total statewide support units and shall then reduce each school district’s support units by this uniform percentage” from Idaho Code 33-1003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Idaho School Boards Association supports the amendment of Idaho Code 33-1003 to add the words: “the greater of the average daily attendance used for the allowance of funding the prior school year or” to ensure a more stable, equitable, and sustainable funding model for all Idaho school districts, aligning with current ISBA resolutions aimed at enhancing financial stability and avoiding detrimental financial cliffs.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Since the funding for schools have been reverted back to Average Daily Attendance, most districts in the state required protection this past fall.  In addition, many districts are facing enrollment decreases therefore creating an even greater financial cliff year to year.  By introducing this resolution, we aim to advocate for a funding formula that better reflects the actual needs and circumstances of our school districts, promoting financial stability and the ability to provide consistent and high-quality education for all students across Idaho. This resolution aligns with and reinforces the ISBA’s previous resolutions addressing financial cliffs and the need for more reliable and predictable school funding.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD: DO PASS