Sens. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell, and Mary Souza, R-Coeur d’Alene, introduced legislation today to move school board elections from the May election in odd-numbered years to the November general election in even-numbered years – the same election at which Idaho votes on partisan offices including president and governor.

“We need more turnout, we need more engagement” in school board elections, Rice said. The Senate Education Committee agreed this afternoon to introduce the bill, clearing the way for a full hearing.

School trustees in Idaho are unpaid and non-partisan.