Relax Rules For School Districts, Report Says

Idaho school districts will have much more freedom to set their own standards if the state Board of Education adopts the recommendations contained in a new report.

The 27-page “Report of the Public Education Rule and Policy Review Task Force” is based on a yearlong study. Among its recommendations:

Eliminate all rules on instructional programs, including those on accreditation, graduation and textbook adoption; then convene an education summit to draft new rules.

Eliminate most rules setting building standards for schools, leaving districts free to make their own decisions within the requirements of existing law and building codes.

Eliminate rules governing driver education.

Eliminate rules governing bus transportation.

Copies of the report are available from the State Department of Education, P.O. Box 83720, Boise 83720-0027; phone (208) 334-3300; e-mail, emkrogst@sde.state.id.us.

School district and principals’ offices have copies, as do college and public libraries.

A subcommittee appointed by the Board of Education is reviewing the recommendations. Meetings will be conducted to gather public comment. , DataTimes