Idaho committee backs temporary exception for trustee spouses in very small school districts

BOISE — The Idaho Senate Education Committee voted to send Senate Bill 1045 to the Senate floor with a "do pass" recommendation after hearing that the measure would carve a limited exception to existing restrictions on school trustees whose spouses work for the district.

The bill, introduced for consideration by proxy, would allow trustees' spouses in school districts with fall enrollments of 400 students or fewer to be employed in certificated roles that are not administrative, subject to disclaimers and abstentions by the trustee and a five-year sunset. Quinn Perry, deputy director of the Idaho School Boards Association, presented the bill for Senator Shippey and said the change targets very small districts that report difficulty hiring and retaining staff.

Supporters said the exception reflects local realities…