UPDATE H422: Congrats on Your Victory in the Idaho House, Parents!

Thanks to your unwavering support and proactive advocacy, we have some fantastic news to share. Bill H422, known as the Accelerating Charter School Act, has successfully passed the House of Representatives! The final vote was 66-3*.

This milestone is a direct result of your efforts in contacting legislators and voicing your support for this critical bill. Your actions have truly made a difference, showcasing the power of our community when we unite for a common cause.

However, our journey is not over yet. The bill now moves to the Senate, and its first crucial hurdle will be the Senate Education Committee. This is a pivotal moment, and we need your support more than ever. We urge you to contact your Senators as soon as possible to express your support for Bill H422.

Why is it essential to contact the Senators? The Senate is where the final decision will be made, and the opinions of their constituents significantly influence legislators. By reaching out to them, you help ensure that our voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process. Your advocacy not only supports the bill but also reinforces the importance of charter schools in our educational system.

Remember, every phone call, email, or letter to a Senator adds strength to our cause. Together, we can make a difference in shaping a brighter future for our children and our charter schools.

Thank you once again for your dedication and support. Let's keep the momentum going and make sure Bill H422 passes the Senate! 

Here’s how you can help:
1. Contact Senate Education Committee Members: Let them know that you are a supporter of charter schools and that you endorse Bill H422.
2. Share your story: Personal stories are powerful. Share why charter schools are important to you and your community.
3. Encourage others to get involved: Spread the word to your network about the importance of supporting Bill H422.

Email Senate Education Comittee Members:

Chair Dave Lent
Vice Chair Ben Toews
Lori Den Hartog
Tammy Nichols
Cindy J. Carlson
Scott Herndon
Brian Lenney

Janie Ward-Engelking
Carrie Semmelroth

Onward to the Senate!

The Accelerating Charter Schools Act (H422): A Call to Action

A Major Milestone Achieved and the Journey Ahead

We have some exhilarating news to share with all of our dedicated supporters and advocates for charter schools! In a significant step forward, the Accelerating Charter Schools Act (Bill H422) has successfully passed through the House Education Committee, receiving overwhelming support with only two dissenting votes from Representatives Galaviz and Berch. This victory is a testament to the strength of our collective voice and the tireless efforts of everyone who believes in the transformative power of charter schools.

However, as we bask in this achievement, we must also brace for the challenges ahead. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for a full vote. It's important to acknowledge that the path ahead is not without its uncertainties. The legislative landscape is ever-changing, and despite our current momentum, there are no guarantees. The bill could encounter unforeseen challenges or opposition in the House, and this is where your support becomes crucial.

Your Role in Shaping the Future of Charter Schools

As supporters of charter schools, your advocacy for Bill H422 is more vital now than ever. The voices of constituents play a pivotal role in shaping the decisions of legislators. Your active participation in this process can significantly influence the outcome of the vote in the House of Representatives.

How Can You Make a Difference?

1. Contact Your Local Legislator: Reach out to your representative and express your support for Bill H422. Let them know how crucial this bill is for the future of charter schools. Find them here. If you already know yours, click here to contact them.

2. Share Your Personal Story: Personal narratives are compelling. Share your experiences and explain why charter schools are essential to you and your community. Your story can resonate with lawmakers and sway their opinions.

3. Mobilize Your Network: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join this cause. The more voices advocating for the bill, the louder our message will resonate in the halls of the House.

4. Stay Informed and Involved: Keep up to date with the progress of the bill and any actions you can take to support it. Your continued engagement is vital.

The Power of Collective Effort

This is a pivotal moment for charter schools. The success of Bill H422 can lead to significant improvements in the charter school system, benefiting countless students and communities. Your support, your voice, and your actions can make a real difference in this crucial phase.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Each call to a legislator, every story shared, and every individual you encourage to join this cause brings us closer to our goal. Together, we can ensure that the Accelerating Charter Schools Act becomes more than just a bill - it becomes a beacon of hope and progress for education.

Join Us in Making Educational History

Let's stand united in this critical time. Your involvement is not just about passing a bill; it's about shaping the future of education and opening new doors of opportunity for the next generation. Let's make history together.

Tom LeClaire

President, Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families

#SupportH422 #CharterSchools #EducationForAll

Why we support H422: The Accelerating Charter Schools Act

 The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families is a grassroots organization of parents, students, teachers and administrators advocating for expanding school choice, providing equal funding, and ensuring money follows the child to their school of choice.  We focus on maximizing choice for parents in the charter school space, including “brick and mortar” and virtual charter schools.

Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, H.422

In 1998, the Legislature passed the Idaho Charter School law to allow charter schools to operate. Today in Idaho, charter schools serve 30,000 students with 11,000 more on waiting lists. The majority of charter schools in Idaho have been a great success.  While there have been several minor tweaks to charter school laws since 1998, nothing substantial has been introduced to incorporate what we have learned in the past 26 years.  

Charter school stakeholders including 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 have been instrumental in shaping a bill that truly represents the needs and aspirations of the charter school community.

The Coalition for Idaho Charter School Families supports H.422, the Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, because the legislation:

• Strengthens and promotes successful charter schools across Idaho

• Encourages innovation in the classroom and new approaches to teaching

• Cuts red tape and allows charter schools to focus on teaching kids

• Gives parents more choices for their children

Key highlights of the bill include:

• Introduction of new legislative intent language to support charter school development

• Streamlining the authorization and reauthorization processes for charter schools

• Establishing pilot charters for innovative models

• Facilitating the replication of successful charter schools

• Providing a 12-year renewal term for high-performing charter schools

Support H422: The Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act

I'm Karen McGee, former President of the Idaho State Board of Education and a staunch advocate for charter schools, I strongly believe in the transformative power of House Bill 422, the "Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act." This bill is not just a legislative update; it's a necessary evolution of Idaho's charter school framework, reflecting over two decades of learning and growth in the charter school sector.

Drawing from my experience in drafting the original charter school law, I see HB 422 as a vital step forward. It makes the charter school chapter more accessible, allowing for greater innovation and operational flexibility. The ability for charters to run daycare and after-school programs, and the streamlining of application and reauthorization processes, are significant advancements. This bill recognizes the unique needs of charter schools, offering them the tools to thrive and expand their successful models.

Moreover, the bill's approach to treating charter holders with multiple schools as a single Local Education Agency is particularly insightful. It simplifies administrative burdens, allowing these schools to focus on what truly matters - educating our children. The extended renewal terms for high-performing charters and the clarity on funding from private organizations are also commendable features.

As a parent advocate, I am passionate about providing the best educational options for our children. Charter schools have been instrumental in offering quality, innovative education tailored to diverse learning needs. HB 422 strengthens this by enhancing the operational framework and supporting the growth of high-quality charter schools.

In conclusion, I urge the public to support HB 422. It's a well-considered, fiscally responsible bill that promises to enrich Idaho's educational landscape significantly. Let's come together to support a bill that champions innovation, quality, and flexibility in education, for the benefit of all Idaho's children.

The Accelerating Charter Schools Act is here!

Read the new Accelerating Charter Schools Act that was proposed this week in the House Education Committee.

We have an important legislative update for you. The Accelerating Public Charter Schools Act, a crucial bill that was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, is now in the legislative process. 

Our collaboration with the Charter School Commission, BLUUM, Stride/K12, the Charter School Network and the Association of Charter School Leaders, has been instrumental in shaping a bill that truly represents the needs and aspirations of our charter school community.

Key highlights of the bill include:

• Introduction of new legislative intent language to support charter school development.

• Streamlining the authorization and reauthorization processes for charter schools.

• Establishing pilot charters for innovative models.

• Facilitating the replication of successful charter schools.

• Providing a 12-year renewal term for high-performing charter schools.

Your support is vital. To express your backing, please email your legislator using this link to find your representative. Your voice is powerful and can help ensure the success of this bill.

The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families, a grassroots group advocating for school choice, equal funding, and policies that allow funding to follow the student, is deeply invested in this legislation. We focus on enhancing choices within both "brick and mortar" and virtual charter schools.

We will keep you informed on the progress of the bill and may reach out for additional support. Thank you for standing with us in this critical moment for our charter schools.