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H 295

EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding an administrator leadership apprenticeship program.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 295 creates an Administrator Leadership Apprenticeship Program in Idaho, allowing diverse professionals to become school leaders, boosting rural education.

Introduced, read first time; referred to: Education
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Bill Summary · H 295

Summary of House Bill 295: Administrator Leadership Apprenticeship Program

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 295 aims to address the shortage of qualified school administrators in Idaho, particularly in rural areas. The bill establishes the Administrator Leadership Apprenticeship Program, which allows experienced professionals from various sectors to transition into school leadership roles. This initiative seeks to fill critical leadership gaps that can negatively impact student success by expanding the pool of eligible candidates for positions such as school principals and superintendents.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions under a new section, 33-1204A, of the Idaho Code:

  1. Eligibility Criteria:
    • For School Principal Roles:
      • Must pass a criminal history check.
      • Hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
      • Have a professional background in one of several fields, including higher education, government, nonprofit, private sector, military service, or other education-related experience.
      • Be sponsored by a public school district or local education agency.
      • Be enrolled in or have completed an administrator leadership program at a regionally accredited Idaho university.
  • For School Superintendent Roles:
    • Must pass a criminal history check.
    • Hold at least a master's degree from an accredited institution.
    • Have a professional background similar to that required for principal roles.
    • Be sponsored by a public school district or local education agency.
    • Be enrolled in or have completed a superintendent leadership program at a regionally accredited Idaho university.

  1. Apprenticeship Duration:

    • Individuals can serve as apprentices for three consecutive years. Upon successful completion of the program and compliance with all requirements, they will be eligible for the same certification as other administrators.

  2. Ongoing Review:

    • Individuals who complete the program and earn an administrator certificate will be subject to ongoing review to ensure continued compliance with applicable laws.

Impact

  • Target Audience: The bill primarily affects Idaho school districts, especially those in rural areas struggling to recruit qualified administrators. It also impacts potential candidates from various professional backgrounds seeking to enter educational leadership roles.

  • Cost Implications: The program is expected to have a nominal fiscal impact on the state, as it does not require new funding beyond existing resources for administrator certification and training. Local school districts may experience significant cost savings by reducing the need for ongoing recruitment efforts and reliance on external hiring services.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 21, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been introduced, read for the first time, and referred to the Education Committee. It has passed through several legislative actions, including a recommendation for passage from the committee and a successful third reading in the House.

Conclusion

House Bill 295 represents a strategic effort to enhance the leadership capacity within Idaho's schools by leveraging existing professional talent and providing structured training pathways. By addressing the challenges of recruiting qualified administrators, the bill aims to improve educational leadership and, ultimately, student outcomes across the state.

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

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