Victory for School Choice: Killing SB1188 Protected Governor Brad Little's 2024 Accelerating Charter Schools Act (H422)
/Victory for School Choice: Killing SB1188 Protected Governor Brad Little's 2024 Accelerating Charter Schools Act (H422)
In 2024, Idaho emerged as a national leader in educational innovation through the Accelerating Charter Schools Act (H422), a cornerstone of Governor Brad Little’s Red Tape Reduction initiative.
This landmark legislation was the result of collaboration among Interim Director of the Charter Commission Alex Adams, BLUUM, the Charter School Network, Idaho’s Virtual Charter Schools, and our Coalition.
Key Achievements of H422
- Leadership in Innovation: H422 positioned Idaho as a frontrunner in innovative charter school practices, reinforcing our national reputation.
- From Regulation to Support: The act transitioned Idaho’s educational environment from excessive regulation to a supportive framework, making the charter school authorizer an ally rather than an obstacle. This approach amplifies parent voices and reduces administrative burdens.
Why Killing SB1188 Was Crucial
The introduction of Senate Bill 1188 (SB1188) directly threatened these essential reforms by attempting to reinstate bureaucratic red tape and reduce local control. Defeating SB1188 was essential to protect the significant advancements of H422 and to sustain an educational environment supportive of innovation and school choice.
Celebrating Our Heroes
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the heroes who worked tirelessly to defeat SB1188, including Senator Kelly Anthon, Senator Lori Den Hartog, Representative Judy Boyle, Representative Wendy Horman, Senator Christy Zito, Senator Tammy Nichols, Senator Cindy Carlson, and many others who contributed behind the scenes. Thank you for empowering parents and preserving schools of choice.
Stay Alert and Engaged!
Despite this victory, dark forces continue to challenge our efforts to protect a parent's right to select the best education for their child's needs. We urge you to remain involved, informed, and ready to take action again next year.
Together, we’re keeping Idaho moving forward!