January 25, 2024 Hearing in House Ed EW 41 9:00 AM

As members of our vibrant educational community, your voice is pivotal in shaping the future of our children's education. We are at a critical juncture where your advocacy can make a substantial difference. We urge you to support the Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, a legislation pivotal for the advancement of charter schools in Idaho.

Since 1998, Idaho's charter schools have made significant strides, currently serving 30,000 students with many more eagerly waiting for opportunities. It's time for a substantial upgrade to our charter school laws, to reflect the lessons learned over the past 26 years and to bolster the success of our charter schools.

How Can You Help?

1. Contact Education Committee Legislators: Reach out to the members of the education committee (emails below). Share with them the importance of Accelerating Charter Schools Act,  highlighting how it:

• Is written in a collaborative effort with the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families, the Governor's Office, Charter School Commission, BLUUM, Stride/K12, the Charter School Network, the Association of Charter School Leaders, ISBA, IEA, and the Idaho Board of Education 

• Strengthens and promotes successful charter schools across Idaho.

• Encourages innovative and effective teaching approaches.

• Reduces bureaucratic hurdles, focusing on teaching.

• Expands educational choices for parents.

  2. Attend and Testify at the Thursday Hearing: Your presence and voice at the Capitol during the hearing will demonstrate our collective commitment to educational excellence. (9 AM MT Thursday, 1/25/24, EW 41, State Capitol)

  3. Watch and Testify Online: If you're unable to attend in person, you can still make an impact by watching the hearing online and signing up to testify remotely. (Signup 24 Hours in Advance)

The key highlights of the bill include the introduction of new legislative language to support charter schools, streamlining authorization processes, establishing pilot charters for innovative models, and providing longer renewal terms for high-performing schools.

Your involvement can be a game-changer in this pivotal moment. Let's come together to ensure that our children have access to the best educational opportunities.

For more information, read the bill on our website and a blog by a former State Board of Education President and why she supports the bill. Let us know if you have any questions by sending us an email to hello@idchartercoalition.org.