House Education committee introduces RS 32396 to increase staffing support for rural math and science

The House Education Committee voted to introduce RS 32396, a proposal to amend Idaho Code 33-1021 that would increase fractional funding for small rural high schools so those schools receive larger portions of a full-time instructor for math and science instruction.

The bill would set fractional funding at least 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) for schools with 100–159 students and 0.75 FTE for schools with 160–319 students, and it would not change funding for larger schools, Representative Jeff Furness, the bill sponsor, told the committee.

Committee members said the proposal responds to long-standing challenges in rural math and science education: difficulty recruiting and retaining certified teachers, limited course offerings and technology, and small, geographically isolated student populations. Furness said rural districts often hire applicants with related degrees and use alternative certification paths because traditionally certified candidates are scarce.

Representative Jeff Furness, the bill sponsor, summarized the change and its intent: "RS 32396 . . . provides additional funds for small schools, rural schools. These funds provide a small school support for hiring additional high school math and science teachers . . . It increases the fractional funding to at least 1 half of an instructor with 100 to 159 students." Representative Furness also told the committee the change is intended to improve rural schools' ability to hire and retain teachers.

Quinn Perry, Deputy Director of the Idaho School Boards Association, described how districts currently use the funding and what the increase could buy. "Currently the schools that we're talking about get about $5,000 for this support," Perry said. "It can also help . . . bring in instructional coaches on math and science, to help provide remediation for students underperforming and provide more advanced courses for students who are exceeding in their performance." Perry said the money is distributed to the district and may be used for salary or for targeted instructional support.

Committee members pressed for more fiscal detail and evidence on whether reallocation of existing funds might address shortages. Representative Harris asked how much money is currently in the program and how funds are allocated by school; Furness said he did not have those figures at the table and would provide them in a follow-up. Representative Harris and Representative Tanner urged staff to consider whether money already flowing to larger or urban districts could be reallocated to rural schools. Furness said discussions about reallocation have occurred and that the committee will continue to examine allocation methods.

Representative Nelson and others asked the sponsor to return with information on how the change would operate in small districts where teachers perform multiple roles. Representative Nelson observed that small schools often rely on teachers who handle multiple subjects and duties, and asked for analysis of how the proposed funding change would affect staffing and operations in those districts.

Representative Garner moved to introduce RS 32396; the motion carried on voice vote. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve minutes from Feb. 19 and Feb. 20: moved by Representative Tanner; voice vote carried (transcript records "aye"). - Motion to introduce RS 32396: moved by Representative Garner; voice vote carried (transcript records "motion carries, will be introduced").

What happens next The sponsor, Representative Furness, said he will return to the committee with additional data on program funding and a fuller explanation of how the change would affect small districts. Committee members requested details on current allocations, examples of programs already producing results, and evidence about whether targeted supplements or reallocation of existing funds would be more effective than new funding.