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Senate Education Committee Advances RS 31903 to Discuss ‘Self-Directed Learner’ Funding Option
Summary
Committee moved RS 31903 forward for further consideration. The measure would allow funds designated for a student to flow to parents under an agreement with the local district; some senators voiced concerns it resembles a voucher program.
The Idaho Senate Education Committee voted to move RS 31903 forward for additional consideration. RS 31903 would modify the state's self-directed learner provisions so that funds designated for a student could be directed to the student's parents under an agreement with the local school district.
Senator Dave Lent (R-33) presented the concept during a print hearing, saying the change "allows the parent now to receive funds that are designated for that student to also flow to the parents in conjunction with an agreement with that district." Lent cited examples from local districts where parents and districts collaborate on individualized education plans.
Senator Ward Engelking expressed opposition in the committee, saying the proposal "sounds like a voucher program to me" and noting an existing Empowering Parents program. Engelking added he would "be voting no on the print hearing." He characterized the bill as the state taking public funds and paying parents to teach their children at home.
Senator Linn said the bill could also "draw in and engage parents" and described increased parental involvement as beneficial to student achievement. Senator Nichols supported moving the measure forward as a way to begin frank conversations about education policy.
A senator moved to advance RS 31903 and Senator Carlson seconded the motion. The committee voted to advance the measure; the transcript records one dissenting "nay." The motion was recorded as carrying and RS 31903 will proceed to further committee action or printing for a formal hearing.
The transcript indicates the measure is in an early stage (a print hearing) and that material details — including specific funding amounts, administrative procedures, and eligibility criteria — were not specified during this meeting. The Department of Education and local districts were referenced in discussion as parties to the required agreement.
