The Public Charter Commission Has A New Director: Rachel Burk

/

Welcoming Rachel Burk as IPCSC Executive Director!

The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families is pleased to congratulate Rachel Burk on her appointment as Executive Director of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission (IPCSC). The Commission unanimously approved her selection at its August 14 meeting.

Rachel currently serves as the Parent Engagement and School Choice Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Education. She brings classroom experience, including time teaching English Language Arts at a public charter school in Nampa, as well as a Master’s in Teaching from Western Governors University and a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and Museum Management from Oklahoma Baptist University.

Our board has had the opportunity to work with Rachel in our past meetings and events, where she has been a helpful resource and thoughtful participant in discussions about expanding school choice. While any new role comes with a learning curve, we are optimistic about her leadership and look forward to collaborating with her to expand public school options for all of Idaho’s students and their families.

The IPCSC plays a vital role in supporting the success of Idaho’s charter schools and ensuring families have access to diverse, high-quality educational opportunities. We are eager to continue that mission together.

New School Choice Bill H93, Set to complete the School Choice Package in Idaho

/
New School Choice Bill H93, Set to complete the School Choice Package in Idaho

Supporting All Idaho Students: What You Need to Know About H 93

House Bill 93 (H 93) is a critical step toward ensuring all Idaho students—whether in public, private, or homeschool settings—have access to financial support for their education. While the Empowering Parents Grant Program has provided resources for public school families, H 93 fills the gap by offering a refundable tax credit for non-public school students.

The bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process, and there are many steps ahead. Stay informed by visiting our website for the full bill text and following us on Facebook for real-time updates. Your voice matters—join the conversation and help shape the future of school choice in Idaho!

Read More

Accelerating Excellence: A Tribute to Idaho's Charter School Triumph with Special Thanks to Governor Brad Little, Sen. Lori Den Hartog and Rep. Judy Boyle

/

Opinion by Karen McGee: Charter school champions make reform possible in 2024 session.

The recent enactment of the Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act in Idaho marks a significant milestone in our educational landscape. This reform, propelled by the ideals of Governor Brad Little’s Red Tape Reduction Act, aims to bolster our charter schools with heightened accountability, innovation, and flexibility. By refining regulations, this strategic approach substantially enhances the educational journey for our students.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Governor Brad Little, legislative leaders Representative Judy Boyle and Senator Lori Den Hartog, whose sponsorship and steadfast support of the bill were instrumental in its passage. Their commitment to education reform reflects a profound dedication to improving schooling conditions and outcomes in our state.

Governor Brad Little’s insight into the necessity for strong leadership within Idaho's charter schools has also been pivotal in this achievement. His appointment of Alex Adams to lead this initiative is a testament to his dedication to excellence and a forward-thinking vision for Idaho’s educational future. Adams’ inclusive leadership style and his proactive engagement with key stakeholders have been crucial in realizing these educational reforms.

The advocacy and participation of parents and charter school administrators have been equally vital in this pursuit. Orchestrated by the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families, their relentless efforts have highlighted the transformative impact of community-driven policymaking. This dedication has been fundamental in establishing a more adaptable and attentive educational framework.

This legislation is a celebration of collaboration and a collective aspiration to uplift the quality of education. By diminishing regulatory barriers and enabling charter schools to concentrate on their primary missions, Idaho is pioneering new benchmarks for educational excellence.

As we look ahead, the leadership of Governor Brad Little, along with that of Rep. Judy Boyle and Sen. Lori Den Hartog, and the energetic involvement of our community stakeholders, continue to serve as pillars of hope and advancement. Together, we are not only propelling the charter school agenda forward but also ensuring that Idaho’s educational system remains dynamic, innovative, and ready for future challenges.

Read the full bill on our blog here.

Karen Mcgee is the former President of the Idaho Board of Education, former education policy advisor to Governor Kempthorne, and holds a position of the Board of Director’s of the National Coalition of Parents for School Options and serves as Vice Chair of the Board of the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families.