Senate panel hears testimony on parent‑supported instruction bill; members hold measure

Boise — The Senate Education Committee heard testimony and questions on Senate Bill 10‑68, a proposal to authorize a Parent Supported Instruction model that would let parents deliver much of their children’s day‑to‑day instruction under the oversight of a public or charter school and give participating students an education savings account for eligible expenses.

The bill’s author, Steven Thain, told the committee the proposal would give public schools new flexibility to partner with parents and said about 11,000 Idaho students already participate in programs like the one SB 10‑68 would formalize. “Parents are not being paid a wage,” Thain said, arguing the bill provides families an “expense account to support their child’s education” and that the model keeps students connected to public schools and state accountability. Janet Cox, director of student services…