Bill > S1288

This bill establishes the Idaho High-Needs Student Fund to provide financial support to local education agencies (LEAs), which include school districts and independent public charter schools, for the costs associated with educating "high-needs students." A high-needs student is defined as a student with a disability whose individualized education program (IEP)-related costs exceed $30,000 and are not covered by other funding sources like Medicaid. The fund will be administered by the state department of education and will consist of legislative appropriations, donations, and interest earned. LEAs can apply annually for reimbursement of eligible costs, which are expenses directly tied to an IEP and not routine classroom expenses, with reimbursement capped at $100,000 per student, covering up to 100% of costs above $30,000 up to $80,000, and 80% of costs above $80,000. The fund will reserve 60% of its balance for non-rural LEAs and 40% for rural LEAs, with any remaining rural funds becoming available to non-rural LEAs. The state department of education will report annually on the fund's status, awards, and expenditures. The bill also declares an emergency, making its provisions effective on July 1, 2026.

Education, Justice

Education Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1288/