Idaho’s State Board of Education is moving toward a new rule that would govern how families enrolled in virtual schools spend taxpayer-funded supplemental learning dollars, with a decision expected this summer ahead of the upcoming school year.

Rule Takes Shape After Legislature Acts

Legislation passed earlier this year directed the State Board to develop rules around the use of supplemental funds that virtual schools distribute to parents for education-related expenses. The State Board held a public hearing on the proposed rule Tuesday, gathering input from school operators and other stakeholders before a formal vote.

The Board is scheduled to convene July 1 to consider the rule and potentially approve it. If adopted, the rule would take effect in early August, aligning with the start of the next academic year.

Virtual School Leaders Raise Concerns

Hailey Sweeten, executive director of Idaho Home Learning Academy — the state’s largest virtual charter school — testified that the proposed restrictions could narrow options for families and work against her school’s approach to personalized instruction. She said “the rules could limit parental options and undermine IHLA’s individualized learning model.”

Sherrilynn Bair, who represents Snake River district’s Online K-8 school and serves as vice chair of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission, also participated in the hearing. The Commission does not have oversight authority over Idaho Home Learning Academy.

Broader Education Funding Debate

The rule comes as Idaho continues to expand education funding options for families. The state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit has drawn growing interest from school operators and parents seeking alternatives to traditional public schools. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield has also been traveling the state to gather public input as part of a broader school funding rewrite effort.

How the State Board defines permissible uses for virtual school supplemental funds could significantly affect how families in online programs structure their children’s education next fall.