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H 279

EDUCATION – Amends and repeals existing law to revise provisions regarding student funding to provide for per-student funding.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 279 shifts Idaho to a per-student funding model, ensuring equitable resource distribution, especially benefiting small and rural schools with $14.2 million in support.

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
#education #funds #students
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Bill Summary · H 279

Summary of House Bill 279 (H 279)

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: H 279
  • Title: Education – Amends and repeals existing law to revise provisions regarding student funding to provide for per-student funding.
  • Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Education
  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Education, Funds, Students

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 279 aims to modernize the funding model for public schools in Idaho by transitioning to a per-student funding system. The bill is designed to ensure that funding is allocated based on the actual number of students attending each school, thereby promoting a more equitable distribution of educational resources.

Legislative Intent

  1. Transition to Per-Student Funding: The bill intends to shift towards a funding model that distributes funds based on current student enrollment.
  2. Weighted Funding Formula: It proposes to develop a weighted per-student funding formula that accounts for specific student characteristics, ensuring that schools with higher needs receive adequate support.
  3. Revised Payment Schedule: The legislation seeks to update the payment schedule for educational funding to better reflect the needs of schools.

Key Provisions

  • Amendments to Existing Laws: The bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code, including:

    • Section 33-1001: Definitions related to education funding.
    • Section 33-1002: Provisions regarding the educational support program.
    • Section 33-1004B: Changes to the career ladder for teacher compensation.
    • Section 33-1009: Adjustments to payments from the public school income fund.
    • Section 33-1018: Variability in public school discretionary funding.
    • Section 33-5207: Financial support for public charter schools.

  • Emergency Declaration: The bill includes a declaration of emergency, indicating that the changes are intended to be implemented promptly.

Fiscal Impact

The bill is projected to allocate $14.2 million in general funds specifically directed to small and rural school districts. This funding is intended to ensure that these districts maintain their financial stability under the new funding model.

Affected Parties

  • Public Schools: All public schools in Idaho will be impacted by the new funding model, particularly those in rural areas that may benefit from the additional financial support.
  • Students: The bill aims to provide more equitable funding for students, especially those with additional needs, such as at-risk students or economically disadvantaged students.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Rules Committee for printing.
  • February 21, 2025: Bill reported printed and referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 279 represents a significant shift in how Idaho funds its public education system, moving towards a more student-centered approach. By implementing a per-student funding model, the bill aims to enhance educational equity and provide necessary resources to schools across the state.

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

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