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H 392

EDUCATION – Repeals and adds to existing law to remove provisions relating to the Local Innovation School Act and to establish provisions regarding districts of innovation.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Allows designated Idaho districts of innovation to pursue locally developed education innovations with targeted exemptions from certain state rules to improve student outcomes.

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
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Bill Summary · H 392

Summary of Idaho House Bill 392 (2025)

Overview

  • Bill: H 392
  • Purpose: Repeals the Local Innovation School Act and creates a new framework for “districts of innovation.” Eligible Idaho school districts designated as districts of innovation would receive exemptions from certain Idaho statutes, administrative rules, and State Board of Education policies to pursue locally developed innovations aimed at improving student achievement.
  • Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Education (introduced March 10, 2025)
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025 (emergency provision declared)

What the bill would do

  • Establish a new Chapter 58 in Title 33 (Districts of Innovation) and repeal the existing Chapter 58, Title 33 (Local Innovation School Act).
  • Allow the State Board of Education to designate eligible districts as districts of innovation to enable innovative education that may deviate from certain state requirements.
  • Require the State Board to promulgate implementing rules (with legislative approval).

Key provisions

Definitions

  • District of Innovation: A designated district with an approved local innovation plan.
  • Innovative education: New or creative practices intended to improve learning and performance.
  • Local innovation plan: A district-developed program detailing innovations and the exemptions requested, including potential adjustments to curriculum, calendar, budgeting, accountability, and governance.

Eligibility

  • A district must submit a local innovation plan approved by its board that:
    • Identifies needed changes to improve student preparation for life/work.
    • Demonstrates community, educator, parent, and school-board support.
    • Specifies exemptions requested and the rationale.
    • Details fiscal and human resources commitments for the plan’s term.
    • Establishes goals/targets (e.g., closing achievement gaps, college/career readiness, expanded curriculum options, pathways for advanced students).

Authorization and Term

  • After local approval, the plan goes to the State Board for approval/denial.
  • If designated, the district operates under the local innovation plan.
  • Designation is contingent on biennial review by the State Board to ensure goals are being met.
  • The district must publish the current plan on its website.

Exemptions

  • Districts of innovation may be exempt from state requirements identified in the plan, subject to certain limits:
    • Exempts from amendments or redesignations of identified state requirements unless explicitly applied to the district.
    • Not exempt from federally mandated requirements, open enrollment requirements, or state curriculum and graduation requirements.

Plan Amendments, Termination, and Evaluation

  • Plans may be amended by vote of the district board and State Board.
  • Plans may be terminated by the district board (State Board must be notified within 30 days).
  • The State Board will establish criteria to determine success and may terminate a district’s designation if goals are not met; or allow amendments to address concerns.

Transparency and Accountability

  • The State Board will collect and publicly share data on which innovations improve student performance.

Impact and who is affected

  • Primary: Public K-12 school districts designated as districts of innovation, district leadership, teachers, students, and local communities.
  • Effects: Potential changes to school day/year, budgeting, governance, curriculum, assessments, and parental/community involvement, with a focus on locally tailored improvements.

Fiscal note

  • The accompanying fiscal note states no net change in state or local revenue or expenditures; no fiscal impact anticipated.

Procedural timeline

  • Emergency clause: Effective July 1, 2025.
  • Designation is biennial (every two years) pending State Board review.

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

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