Repeals and adds to existing law to remove provisions relating to the Local Innovation School Act and to establish provisions regarding districts of innovation.

This legislation creates a new chapter which allows for Idaho public school districts to be designated as “districts of innovation.” With this designation, districts would be exempt from certain Idaho statutes, administrative rules, and State Board of Education policies, freeing up resources to pursue local priorities to meet ambitious student achievement goals. The legislation outlines district eligibility requirements, the process to receive authorization from the State Board of Education, requirements from which districts may request exemption, and the process of amendment and review of the local innovation plan. This is an important shift for our traditional public school districts, allowing them to pursue innovative local policies similar to the public charter school sector.