Ybarra rural bill squeaks past House

State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s rural schools bill, HB 223, has narrowly passed the House on a 37-33 vote. The measure calls for a three-year pilot project, at $300,000 a year, in which schools in North Idaho would join together in a rural schools network aimed at collaborating and sharing resources. Rep. Paul Amador, R-Coeur d’Alene, said, “I think this is actually something that will save us money in the long run. It’s an opportunity for us to be efficient with our services.” He said the schools in North Idaho that have been working to form the network for the past two years already have 10 schools signed on, including both regular and charter schools, and eight of them are rural schools/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.