Press Release: Gov. Little Signs “Idaho Works” Bill to Support Public Charter Schools
By Press Release • February 28, 2024The following press release was sent out by the Office of Idaho Governor Brad Little. Press releases do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.
Eagle, Idaho – Surrounded by students, parents, and teachers at North Star Public Charter School in Eagle, Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 422, the Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, into law today.
“I am a huge supporter of charter schools because they offer families more options for their children’s education while providing taxpayers and the people of Idaho the accountability and transparency they deserve,” Governor Little said.
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Charter schools embrace a variety of learning methods and education delivery models. Governor Little said many of the top performing schools in Idaho are charter schools because there is strong parental involvement, leading to better student performance.
Seventy-four charter schools operate in Idaho, serving about 30,000 students – a 30% jump from just five years ago. These charter schools educate just under 10% percent of all public school students in Idaho, and at least 10,000 students in Idaho are on waitlists for charter schools.
In his State of the State speech in January, Governor Little laid out his plan for the improvements championed in House Bill 422. This bill cuts red tape around supporting charter schools in Idaho through best practices, development, and educational and operational assistance. It gives more flexibility for the high performing charters of Idaho and more support to charters that are struggling and need more guidance.
Governor Little also noted Idaho boasts a full menu of diverse school choice options for families. Idaho is a leader in education freedom, in large part because of our support for charter schools. Idaho also offers parents resources to support their children’s education outside the classroom. Idaho landed first place for the best new open enrollment law when we expanded opportunities last year for parents to choose the public school that is best for their child regardless of their zip code. Idaho is also the number one state for return on investment in education.
“I have stated over and over that I will continue to champion a fair, responsible, transparent, and accountable approach to expanding school choice in Idaho, one that does not draw resources away from our public schools. Supporting charter schools fits perfectly into that vision,” Governor Little said.
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Tags: 2024 Idaho Legislative Session, Charter Schools, Flexibility, Governor Brad Little, House Bill 422, Idaho Legislature, Idaho Works, Public Charter, Red Tape
Oh please, this doesn’t change anything. Little is such a typical Democrat. Let the money follow the student or sit down and shut up
I agree Cliff, it starts with allowing funding to follow the students.
Our Governor is so proud and fond of pontificating about ALL OF THE MONEY he provides to the education of school children in Idaho. He takes every opportunity to surround himself with photo-ops of kids and teachers! WOW.
Does anyone believe that anything he does “FOR THE KIDS” really works, when the educational scores of kids in Idaho “government schools” are so PATHETIC?
Seems like the more money thrown to schools, the worse the scores.
That being said, it is good to have Charter Schools where some of the fortunate have an opportunity to actually get a good education.
Little sells well only to low-info voters and Democrats
Combined Winder, Bedke, Luna have all but destroyed our Public School System through the years.
The puppets, Otter and Little, have sure helped accelerate this destruction.
Idaho Works is state funded communism.
Solution: Censure all the “Good Ole Boys” out of the Republican Party and retire all immediately, never to return.