Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee introduces RS 32428 to create apprenticeship pathway for superintendents and principals
Summary
Representative Dale Hawkins introduced RS 32428 to permit apprenticeship-style pathways for aspiring superintendents and principals, including a sponsor amendment to make the program effective immediately upon passage; members asked for details on program length, sponsor responsibilities and licensing overlap with existing programs.
Representative Dale Hawkins of District 2 asked the committee to introduce RS 32428, which would create a registered-apprenticeship pathway aimed chiefly at producing superintendents and also available to principals.
Hawkins said the measure grew from superintendent shortages reported in rural districts; he told the committee there are about 13 known vacancies at the time of the hearing and said the program’s goal is to “grow Idaho people into these positions.” He described a multi-year training pathway and estimated it would take three to four years for an apprentice to complete requirements that include an Idaho bachelor’s degree component.
Members probed program specifics. Representative Church, who holds a state administrator certificate, noted the current licensure pathway requires more than 400 internship hours and asked how the RS would differ from or overlap with existing administrative licensure. Representative Mathias and others said Idaho already has a registered apprenticeship for principals and asked why another program is needed; Hawkins said the focus of this RS is superintendents.
Lawmakers also debated whether licensed administrators already exist but decline to take superintendent posts and whether the RS would address retention or compensation factors. Representative Nelson raised concerns about how broadly the RS defines acceptable prior “private-sector service in a management role,” arguing the language could admit applicants without the fiscal and supervisory experience required to run a district. Several members asked Hawkins to return at a full hearing with details on program hours, sponsor obligations and whether the State Board of Education or Idaho Association of School Administrators supports the approach.
Committee members amended the RS on the floor of the committee to replace a July 1, 2025 effective date with language making the measure effective immediately upon passage; the chair permitted LSO to adjust statutory phrasing to reflect immediate effect. The substitute motion to introduce RS 32428 with that amendment carried on a voice vote; members asked that the sponsor be prepared at the hearing to provide a detailed program design and alignment with existing licensure rules.
