Education (K-12 Education)

This bill updates Idaho's rules for counting student enrollment numbers, which directly affects school districts, public charter schools, and the state Board of Education. It establishes specific guidelines for calculating full-time enrollment, including limits on how many students can be counted based on their attendance patterns, such as restricting students with 11 or more consecutive unexcused absences from being counted on official enrollment dates. The law also sets clear rules for counting kindergarten students at half enrollment and summer or night school students at one-quarter enrollment, while requiring schools to conduct official enrollment counts on specific dates throughout the school year. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, and aim to standardize how student enrollment data is collected and reported across the state.

This Idaho bill prohibits public schools from granting excused absences for student participation in political protests, political lobbying activities, or walkouts. It requires such absences to be counted as unexcused, affecting school attendance records and funding calculations. Schools must annually report these unexcused absences to the state superintendent, with reports beginning in 2027. The law applies to all Idaho public K-12 schools and charter schools.

This bill revises Idaho's rules for counting students in public schools and charter schools to determine funding and reporting. It sets specific limits: kindergarten students count as no more than half a full-time equivalent (FTE), summer/night school students max at one-fourth FTE, and students with 11+ unexcused absences before a count date cannot be included. Schools must count enrollment four times yearly (October, December, February, April) and require parental consent for enrollment. These changes directly affect school districts and charter schools in how they calculate student numbers for state funding.

This Idaho bill (H 780) updates rules for students enrolled in nonpublic schools (private or homeschool) who participate in public school activities. It requires these students to meet the same academic proficiency standards as public school students - demonstrated through state tests or approved assessments - to join nonacademic activities like sports or clubs. The bill clarifies that dually enrolled students do not count toward public charter school enrollment limits, establishes fees for nonpublic students joining activities, and allows credits from postsecondary institutions to count toward high school graduation. It directly affects nonpublic school students, public schools, and charter schools in Idaho. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

This Idaho bill (H 516) prohibits public school staff from providing classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through grade 12. It requires schools to adopt policies banning such instruction unless it is age-appropriate and developmentally suitable per state standards. The law directly affects Idaho public schools and their curriculum decisions for all K-12 students. Key mechanisms include mandating school policies that prevent classroom lessons on these topics, while allowing age-appropriate discussions that align with educational standards. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.