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 to allow districts to hire additional math and science instructors or cover course expenses. Furness framed the problem as a combination of underfunding, limited access to advanced courses, difficulty recruiting certified teachers and geographic isolation in many Idaho rural districts.

Quinn Perry, deputy director of the School Boards Association, said the change reflected a resolution that came from multiple rural districts. Perry told the committee that currently the schools in question "get about $5,000 for this support" and that the funding "does get distributed to the district for the purposes of going to these specific schools, but it would be for salary or for additional instructional targeted support." The committee heard that some districts use the funds to hire instructional coaches or provide remediation and advanced coursework.

Members asked for more detail before further action. Representative Harris asked how much money is currently in the program and how allocations are made; Furness said he did not have those figures available and would bring them back. Representative Church pressed on whether the proposal would improve teacher retention; Furness said the change would give districts flexibility to raise wages or incentives to attract instructors. Representative Ehart asked the sponsor to return with information on other programs aimed at rural schools and evidence of their effectiveness before the committee proceeds.

Representative Garner moved to introduce RS 32396; no second was named on the record. The committee chair called for voice votes. "All in favor say aye," the chair said; after the ayes and noes were taken, the chair announced, "Motion carries, will be introduced."

Committee members also discussed the mechanics of how small-school staffing factors have been set historically. Representative Nelson summarized factors read from the committee discussion as: a 1.25 factor for districts under 99 students, 0.5 for under 159, 0.75 for under 319 and 1.0 for under 639, and asked the sponsor to address the operational impacts for very small schools when the bill is returned for further consideration. Members noted that teachers in very small districts frequently serve multiple roles and duties beyond classroom instruction.

Next steps: RS 32396 was approved for introduction and will be printed for further committee work; committee members requested follow-up materials on current program funding levels, how funds are allocated to districts and evidence about the effectiveness of similar supports in rural districts.