Senate committee agrees to print bill allowing small districts to hire trustees' spouses

A Senate Education Committee advanced a proposal to allow very small Idaho school districts to hire the spouse of an elected trustee while the trustee remains on the board.

Senator Mark Shippey introduced RS 32057, saying the measure would create a pilot process for districts with fall enrollment of 400 or fewer students to employ a trustee's spouse without forcing the district to post the position for 60 days each year to rehire a teacher. "The intent of this legislation is, to pilot a flexible process by which a small school district ... could employ the spouse of 1 of their trustees," Shippey said, adding that the bill would allow certified employees such as teachers or pupil services staff to retain contract status.

Proponents told the committee the change is meant to address staffing challenges in very small communities. Shippey said the provision would apply to roughly 40 districts and would exclude public charter schools. "It still ensures that ... board members will have to recuse themselves from any conversations about discipline, pay, or other issues," he said. The bill includes a five-year sunset to allow a pilot evaluation of the policy.

Senator Ward Engelking moved to print RS 32057. The motion carried without recorded opposition; a second was entered but not named on the record.

The committee indicated it will schedule Shippey for a full hearing if and when the bill is formally docketed for committee consideration.