Having already passed the Senate, legislation that would make Pupil Service Staff eligible for Master Educator Premiums (designation would be changed from Master Teacher Premiums if this bill passes) cleared the House Education Committee and will now go the full House. SB 1059 would add Pupil Services Staff to certified teachers eligible for the premiums. Pupil Services Staff includes school psychologists, social workers and speech specialists, among others.
Charter Petition Bill Goes to House Floor for Amendments
A bill that would streamline the process for charter schools to become authorized has been sent to the House floor for amendments. This legislation was originally opposed by the IEA and the Idaho School Boards Association when the stakeholder groups were left out the development process. Subsequent discussions between the stakeholder groups and the charter school proponents led to agreement on revised language.
Bill to Restore Field Trip Funding Passes Senate
Legislation from Sen. Jim Guthrie (R-Inkom) that would restore funding for busing to student filed trips passed the Senate by a 34-1 vote and now goes to the full House. Idaho was forced to cut state funding for field trips, but proponents were pleased to be able to take a step toward alleviate that burden from parents and local districts. Read more from Idaho Education News.
