Town halls examine public school needs
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 7 months AGO
Save Our Schools Idaho has announced a series of community town halls across North Idaho to host discussions on public school needs.
Organizers said the meetings were inspired by the passage of House Bill 93, which directs $50 million in taxpayer funds to private school tuition through Idaho's new parental choice tax credit program.
The town hall series brings together public school advocates, educators and concerned citizens to examine voucher programs in Idaho. Participants will discuss research showing the impact of similar programs in other states.
"There's definitely been confusion and questions raised since Idaho passed the Idaho parental choice tax credit, otherwise known as a school voucher bill," said Jan Bayer, superintendent of Boundary School District. "As families head back to school, we want to provide an opportunity for community members to talk about how the bill will impact Idaho."
Dena Naccarato, superintendent of Post Falls School District, emphasized the importance of accountability for publicly funded programs.
"As an educator, my priority has always been making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed," she said. "I respect a parent's right to make the best choice for their family. And when taxpayer dollars are being redirected to private schools, we must also insist on fairness, accountability and transparency, which includes the same required testing and reporting. Public schools open their doors to every child and answer to the community. Any program funded by the public should meet that same standard."
Each town hall will feature education advocates, public school champions and community members discussing how voucher programs may threaten public education funding, shift tax burdens to local communities and reduce accountability measures.
The town hall series begins with a Coeur d'Alene event Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Lake City Center. The following day, Thursday, Sept. 11, a Sandpoint town hall will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Ponderay Event Center. The series continues Saturday, Sept. 13, with a morning session in Priest River from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Bonner Library District, followed by an afternoon town hall in Post Falls from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Post Falls High School.