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Amendment would let districts reimburse expenses for "self‑directed learners" up to 65% of funding; committee holds the bill after debate
Summary
Senator Stephen Thain proposed a change to the self‑directed learner law to let districts reimburse parents for education expenses tied to flexible learning plans, capped at 65% of the funding the district receives for the student; the Senate Education Committee voted to hold the bill after debate.
Senator Stephen Thain presented an amendment to Idaho’s self‑directed learner statute that would allow a parent or legal guardian of a public‑school, self‑directed learner to request reimbursement from the school district or public charter school for expenses “directly related” to the student’s flexible learning plan, up to 65% of the public school funding received by the district for that student.
Thain said the change is intended to give local districts an additional tool to retain students who might otherwise leave the public system for alternative providers by allowing negotiated, district‑approved enhancements such as tutoring, independent study, internships, apprenticeships or other education services. The amendment would require district‑level policies governing submission and deadlines for reimbursement requests and would not permit direct cash payments to parents; reimbursement must be for specified educational expenses and is subject to district negotiation.
Supporters described the amendment as a local‑control measure to allow flexible programming tailored to motivated students. Opponents and several senators questioned oversight, the potential fiscal impact on small rural districts, how allowable expenses would be defined, and who would be responsible for student outcomes. Senators compared the proposal to other programs and pilot efforts (for example, discussions around Oneida and Empower Parents‑style grant spending) and repeatedly emphasized that school districts retain responsibility for enrolled students. Several senators said the proposed 65% cap was high.
After extended questions and discussion from multiple senators, Senator Ward Engelking moved to hold Senate Bill 1017 in committee; the motion was seconded and carried. The bill will remain in committee for further work.
Ending: The committee held SB1017 to allow additional review of oversight, funding‑impact and policy language; senators encouraged Thain to continue refining the proposal with district and legislative stakeholders.
