Bill > H0657

This bill amends existing Idaho law regarding admissions to public charter schools, specifically changing the order of preference for enrollment when a school has more applicants than available spots. Previously, after children of founders and siblings of already selected students, the next preferences were for children in foster care placed with selected students, children of military families, students transferring from other charter schools, and then students living in the school's primary attendance area, with a lottery for any remaining spots. This bill rearranges these preferences, placing children of military families and foster care children with selected students higher in the priority list, followed by siblings of selected students, then students transferring from other charter schools, and finally students residing within the primary attendance area, with a lottery as the last option. The bill also clarifies that a charter school can weight its lottery to give preference to educationally disadvantaged students, including those living below the federal poverty level, homeless or in foster care, with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or at-risk, and can also include children of full-time employees in the first priority group. Additionally, the bill establishes specific procedures for military families transferring into Idaho, ensuring their children are treated as residents for enrollment preference. Finally, it outlines the process for offering admission, requiring a public selection process and timely notification to guardians, and allows schools to increase enrollment slightly if a lottery results in exceeding projected numbers and a waitlist exists.

Education

Education Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0657/