Senate approves measure allowing traditional public schools to convert to charter status

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Senate on Feb. 27 approved Senate Bill 10‑97, a bill sponsors said would let local school districts convert individual traditional public schools or entire districts into public charter configurations to expand curricular flexibility.

Senator Ward Engelking, sponsor of the bill, said it ‘‘allows a public traditional school district to change 1 of its schools to a public charter’’ and argued the change would let districts adopt specialized curricula — for example, multilingual or STEM‑focused programs — without the operational hurdles now associated with charter authorization. The sponsor stressed the conversion process would require plans and approvals and would not happen immediately.

On the floor senators asked about enrollment caps and funding. Senator Nichols asked whether student caps would apply after conversion; the sponsor replied that charters may set enrollment caps and lotteries if demand exceeds capacity but noted districts could choose other approaches. Senator Den Hartog raised a question about property tax revenue if an entire district converted, noting current charter schools that operate separately typically do not receive property tax revenue and asking whether conversions would affect local property tax allocation. The sponsor said districts authorized to run charter schools currently may receive property‑tax revenue and suggested the issue could require future study if whole districts convert.

The Senate used a previously recorded roll and passed the bill; the title was approved and the bill transmitted to the House.