WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 295

An act relating to payment of vacation leave upon separation from employment

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Richard Bailey and 21 co-sponsors

Allows non-certified leaders to become principals or superintendents by completing a 3-year paid apprenticeship with district sponsorship and Idaho university-led programs.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 295

Bill Summary — H 295 (Administrator Leadership Apprenticeship Program)

Note: The materials provided contain mixed and partly conflicting documents (including an unrelated Massachusetts bill and differing docket actions). This summary focuses on the Idaho House Bill No. 295 text and fiscal note contained in the packet (creates Section 33-1204A, Idaho Code). Confirm current status with the state legislative clerk for the official record.

Purpose

Establish an "Administrator Leadership Apprenticeship Program" to expand the pool of candidates eligible to serve as school principals, superintendents, and similar district leaders by permitting experienced non‑traditional candidates to serve as paid apprentices while completing approved leadership preparation. The stated intent is to help Idaho school districts — particularly in rural or hard‑to‑staff areas — fill leadership vacancies while maintaining training and certification standards.

Key provisions

  • Adds new Section 33-1204A to Idaho Code (Chapter 12, Title 33).
  • Allows individuals who do not already hold an administrator certificate to meet employment standards for principal, superintendent, deputy superintendent, or similar roles by participating in and successfully completing the apprenticeship program.
  • Eligibility requirements include:
    • Passing the criminal history check required by section 33-130, Idaho Code.
    • Educational minimums: bachelor’s degree (for principal roles) or master’s degree (for superintendent/deputy roles) from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
    • Demonstrated professional leadership competency in at least one area (higher education, governmental leadership, nonprofit leadership, private‑sector leadership, officer‑level military service, or other education‑related experience).
    • Sponsorship by a public school district or local education agency (LEA).
    • Enrollment in or prior successful completion of an administrator/superintendent leadership program at a regionally accredited university domiciled in Idaho.
  • Apprenticeship term and certification:
    • Completion of three consecutive years as an apprentice in the role makes the individual eligible to receive the same administrator certificate as others employed in the same role, provided ongoing compliance with the section and other laws.
    • Individuals who earn a certificate through the program are subject to ongoing review.
  • Emergency clause: the act declares an emergency so it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Fiscal impact

  • The fiscal note provided indicates a nominal state fiscal impact and states no new state funding is required beyond existing certification/training resources.
  • It projects potential cost savings to local school districts by reducing repeated recruitment costs and interim hires when leadership positions are hard to fill.

Who is affected

  • Prospective administrators without traditional certification (career changers, military officers, private sector/nonprofit/government leaders).
  • Public school districts and local education agencies (as sponsors and employers).
  • Idaho higher‑education institutions that provide approved administrator/superintendent leadership programs.
  • Current certification and oversight entities responsible for administrator certificates and background checks.

Legislative status & timeline (from provided materials)

  • Introduced: 02/21/2025.
  • Reported out of committee with a Do Pass recommendation (02/28/2025).
  • Read and passed on third reading (recorded vote in materials: 44–26–0).
  • Emergency clause makes the act effective upon passage (if enacted).

Notes & considerations

  • The program narrows approved leadership coursework to programs at Idaho‑domiciled, regionally accredited universities — this may limit candidates’ program options.
  • The three‑year apprenticeship-to-certification path balances workforce flexibility with a multi‑year supervision period; districts will carry responsibility for sponsorship and supervision.
  • Because the packet includes inconsistent docket items and unrelated bills, verify sponsors, final amendments, and enactment status with the Idaho Legislature’s official website or clerk’s office before relying on this summary for legal or administrative action.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.