PRIVATE SCHOOLS

House votes 35-33 for donor incentives

Advocates say tax breaks for those who donate to private and religious school scholarships will promote school choice for parents who don't think the public classroom is right for their kids.

Wednesday's razor-thin decision sends the bill the Senate.

The bill would create tax credits worth up to $10 million annually.

This provides more choice for parents seeking a public school alternative, proponents said, adding that scholarships would be limited to kids based on their family's income, to exclude the wealthy. For instance, children from a family of four people that earns $63,900 annually could qualify, according to the bill.

Foes said it would siphon more money from Idaho's general fund - and undermine public schools that already are insufficiently funded.

The Associated Press

SECURITY PLANS

School safety bill may be amended

A bill requiring county sheriffs to work with school boards to develop plans to bolster school security faces potential changes in the full House.

The bill has already cleared the Senate. It allows for schools boards to consider arming teachers and bus drivers or installing metal detectors.

But the House Education Committee Wednesday agreed the bill needs tweaks.

For example, lawmakers say they want language giving local police chiefs a more defined role in developing security plans. Idaho Falls Republican Rep. Linden Bateman said the bill needs to clearly include charter schools.

Lobbyists for The Idaho Press Club and Idaho Freedom Foundation urged changes related to public records exemptions.

The Associated Press

TEACHER CONTRACTS

'Last best offer' bill clears committee

Legislation giving Idaho school boards the authority to impose final offers in teacher contract talks is headed to the Senate floor for one last vote.

The bill sought by the Idaho School Board Association has already passed the House.

It gives school board trustees power to end contract bargaining by June 10 if talks with teachers stall.

The Senate Education Committee approved the measure Wednesday amid opposition from the Idaho Education Association teachers union. Meridian Superintendent Linda Clark said the deadline gives districts more flexibility to manage their budgets.

The proposal comes with a one-year sunset.

The Associated Press

SCHOOL FUNDING

Senate amends charter school bill

Nonprofit corporations would no longer be able to start charter schools, according to changes senators made to a bill that's part of a package of reforms working its way through the Legislature.

Under Wednesday's changes, Idaho universities would still be eligible to open charter schools.

The bill is intended to give more school choice to Idaho families, but opponents have argued the bill as it was originally written - it has already passed the House - could result in a wave of new schools that outstrip funding for public education.

If this version now passes the Senate, the House still has to approve the changes.

The Associated Press