Legislative leaders in Idaho push for school choice, critics fear education inequality is at risk

BOISE, Idaho — The school choice debate is on track to make its way back to the Idaho legislature.

School choice lets parents use state funds to help pay for private tuitions, homeschooling or any other education option they feel best suits their child’s needs.

“I recognize the growing desire to expand school choice, especially for students with unique physical or developmental conditions,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little.

Legislative leaders pushing for this say it is what Idaho needs, but critics are raising concern for the future impact it will have on rural communities.

While no draft bill has been released yet, legislators like Sen. Lori Den Hartog have spoken up abut their plans of bringing the initiative back in this year’s legislative session.

“The kids that benefit the most from this are kids and families who are looking at options or thinking about things that they want access to that they currently don’t have access to or don’t have resources to access,” Sen. Den Hartog said.

The Idaho Education Association (IEA), the state teachers’ union, is a strong opponent of this initiative and is fearful of the education inequality it believes this system will cause.

“What we should really be doing is envisioning the public schools that we, our communities, need and want and figuring out how to get there,” said Mike Journee, the communications director for the IEA.

Lawmakers say it will not take money away from public education funds but the IEA argues those are dollars that could be put towards public schools, which it says are already chronically underfunded.

“It’s taking public dollars that could be and should be invested in public schools and giving it to people so that they can pay for private school tuition,” Journee said.

Proponents of school choice argue it could lead to more diverse education opportunities in rural areas, such as micro schools.

Gov. Little has put aside $50 million for the program. Sen. Den Hartog said up to $5,000 would be allocated per student and up to $7,500 if a student has special needs or a disability.

Legislators plan to get a draft out next week. The next step would be for it to be voted on in the State House of Representatives.