This bill amends Section 33-1004 of the Idaho Code, which pertains to the staff allowance for school districts. The amendments include provisions for calculating the instructional, pupil service, administrative, and classified staff allowances based on support units. Notably, the bill allows districts to contract for services with nondistrict employees, with specific conditions on how these employees can be counted in the staff allowance. Additionally, it introduces flexibility for districts with fewer support units, allowing for increased staff allowances under certain conditions, and permits the use of funds for virtual education services without reducing the number of funded positions.

The bill also removes previous language that mandated a one percent reduction in staff allowances for districts with larger average class sizes, along with related reporting requirements. Furthermore, it establishes a process for districts to appeal for additional staff if their current allowance is insufficient to meet accreditation standards. The bill emphasizes the importance of parental engagement by allowing a portion of the instructional staff allowance to be used for kindergarten teachers to visit students' homes during the first week of school. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-1004