EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding approval of public charter schools.

This Idaho bill (S 1097) revises rules for approving public charter schools. It prohibits school districts from converting entirely to charter districts, bans converting private/parochial schools to charters, and forbids for-profit charter operators (though charters may contract with for-profit service providers). The bill sets strict deadlines for new charter applications (by September 1) and requires approval by January 1 prior to the school year, limits charters to authorizing district boundaries, and prohibits using state education funds for unrelated ventures like daycare. These changes directly affect school districts, charter school authors, and existing public schools seeking conversion.