1. Idaho Legislative Session 2018 k-12 Education perspective
Katharine McPherson, CPA
Lewiston School District. Region II IASBO Board Representative

2. Background Information
For the past several years, our district has:
Met with our local Senator and Representatives prior to the session.
Watched the germane committees closely
Education
Revenue and Taxation
Joint Finance
Sent a weekly commentary on specific bills affecting education to local legislators.
This year IASBO asked me to serve as a sort of legislative liason during the session.
Beginning course details and/or books/materials needed for a class/project.

3. Websites and Resources
Spokesman Review (Spokane newspaper)
political blogger, Betsy Russell’s Eye on Boise
Education News
ISBA Capitol Notes

4. Elections Bills
SB1280 Move Trustee Elections to November of odd years (State Affairs)
HB600 Educate vs Advocate (State Affairs)
HB487 Bond and Levy Elections restriction on re- running after failure. (State Affairs) Now HB639 only related to bonds
H560 Bond Election Disclosure of Cost (Rev & Tax)
Now HB626 no significant changes. Moved from tax code to elections code.
Conclusion to course, lecture, et al.

5. Miscellaneous Bills HB566 Charter School Administrators
HB580 Removes Sunset Provision (spouse of board member)
HB590 Guided Education Management (GEM) scholarships for disadvantaged to use in private schools. “Voucher” Bill.
HB611 Agendas for Open Meetings

6. Budget Proposals Governor Superintendent JFAC
No increase in Discretionary Funding
Large increases in line items (Technology, Literacy)
Superintendent
Additional Salary Apportionment for Classified
3% Increase in Discretionary Funding
JFAC
4th Year of Career Ladder
3% Increase Apportionment Classified and Administrators
2.74% Increase in Discretionary Funding
Objectives for instruction and expected results and/or skills developed from learning.

7. Transportation Funding
What were the goals?
85% reimbursement for all allowable expenses
Any loss of funding restored through redistribution formula
Commitment to work toward restoration of $7.5m
lost during recession
Reporting and auditing rules
Where are we now?
S1304 May not move forward this year
SDE has agreed to discuss our concerns about reporting and auditing and work toward solutions
ISBA is on board with working on the $7.5m
Relative vocabulary list.

8. Conclusion So far, there are a lot of positives for K-12 Education
Highest priorities were funded despite tax reductions
Some of our biggest concerns related to changes in election laws
IASBO has been heard on important issues and has partnered with other stakeholders
Conclusion to course, lecture, et al.

9. Questions/Discussions
Any bill that I haven’t discussed?
Any topics that we want to work on next year?
Suggestions for representing you better.
My contact information:
Kathy McPherson
An opportunity for questions and discussions.