A new state law gives qualifying public schools in Idaho greater freedom over spending state funding, but the timing could keep many from participating in the program’s first year. The “earned autonomy” program took effect July 1 — after school boards adopted budgets — and the Idaho Department of Education has not yet released guidance or an application for districts and charters to submit.

Qualifying Schools

Department spokesperson Andrea Dearden said staff plan on releasing the materials before school begins next month. Districts and charters that meet certain academic and financial benchmarks would have to apply annually for the program, created through House Bill 883, in order to gain flexibility over spending state money. Virtual charter schools cannot participate.

Some school districts that qualify may not be interested in applying. Cottonwood Joint School District appears to meet the academic requirements, including high standardized test scores and graduation rates, but Superintendent Jon Rehder told EdNews that he doesn’t think the district needs the added flexibility.

Benefits of Flexibility

Charter school leaders appear more enthusiastic about the new flexibility. Kate French, chief operating officer for the nonprofit American Classical Schools of Idaho, said the law won’t have as much flexibility as some charter leaders originally wanted, but it’s a step in the right direction.

For an example of the benefits of having more autonomy, she said state funding for teachers is based on the career ladder and years of experience. If a charter school wants to hire a teacher from out-of-state who worked at a private school, the state would not recognize that experience. With funding flexibility, the charter could pull funding from another bucket to pay that teacher.

Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.