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House eases certification rules for rural school administrators
Summary
The House passed House Bill 711 to relax some administrator certification requirements for rural school systems, sponsors said, intending to improve recruitment and retain experienced teachers who might otherwise leave for higher pay.
The Idaho House passed House Bill 711 on third reading after sponsors said the measure will make it easier for rural districts to recruit principals and superintendents.
Sponsor remarks noted the existing administrative licenses require a master’s degree, substantial practicum hours and standardized testing that, combined with higher private-sector pay, make it difficult for small rural systems to recruit and retain qualified leaders. "These administrative licenses require a master's in educational leadership, 450 practicum hours ... to be ready," the sponsor said during floor debate.
Supporters described stories of teachers who left classroom or trade roles to become administrators and then were lost to higher-paying positions elsewhere. A back-and-forth on the floor emphasized the bill’s workforce focus: sponsors argued the change is designed to prevent staffing shortages at rural schools, not to lower instructional standards.
The House closed debate and approved the bill by voice/roll-call procedures; the journal records the motion as passed and the bill will be transmitted to the Senate. The clerk noted the title was corrected and the bill placed for transmittal.
Next steps: the bill will move to the Senate for consideration.
