Committee introduces RS 32396 to increase staffing support for small rural high schools

The Idaho House Education Committee on an unspecified February date voted to introduce RS 32396, a proposal to change Code 33 10 21 and increase fractional instructional funding for small rural high schools to help districts hire or support high school math and science teachers, Representative Furness said.

The measure would raise the minimum fractional funding for schools with 100 to 159 students to at least one-half of an instructor and increase the fractional funding for larger small schools; it does not change funding for larger schools, Furness said. The committee voted to introduce the resolution after discussion and questions from multiple members.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Furness, told the committee that RS 32396 "...amends code 33 10 21 and provides additional funds for small schools, rural schools" and that the change aims…