BONNERS FERRY — The Boundary County School Board visited Boise, temporarily adding five more residents to the city of about 237,000 as they met with state legislators from both the House and Senate on Feb. 16-17. 

The trip gave the board an opportunity to advocate for public school students in Idaho’s northernmost county. 

“Annually the school board and I go down,” BCSD Superintendent Jan Bayer said. “We always meet with Sen. Jim Woodward. We were able to meet with him twice, as well as Reps. Mark Sauter and Cornel Rasor.” 

Discussion regarding online schooling was the main focus of the board’s visits with legislators. 

“This year there’s been two or three big bills that could significantly impact our district,” Bayer said. “One is the virtual learning bill. Our (Naples Elementary) principal Robin Merrifield was able to testify in front of the House Education Committee and I was able to testify in front of the Senate Education Committee.” 

Idaho House Bill 624 is intended to revise provisions regarding virtual public education. Among other changes, the bill would require all contracts between a school district and an educational services provider to be approved by the school district board of trustees before execution. 

It also would require maintaining records to verify proof of Idaho residency for all enrolled virtual students and ensure that the curriculum meets content standards set by the state board of education. 

Bayer said the bill would provide more transparency for online schooling. 

“Our school board will be able to see what’s being purchased,” Bayer said. “They’ll be able to work with families. And then when the legislative members ask for that data we can readily provide it to them.” 

Another item of importance for the board is the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, which could face budget cuts of up to $10 million, about 40% of its annual budget. Many BCSD students use the program, which the organization says allows them to earn dual credits, enroll in subjects not currently offered at their schools, or gain more flexibility in their day-to-day education. 

Bayer said IDLA gives students the opportunity to earn a two-year credential before graduating from high school or taking advanced classes, benefiting both students and the community. 

“It’s an investment in their future,” Bayer said. “They then become contributing taxpayers to our society and they also can thrive and support a family. Why would we not encourage that?”

The district has embraced digital learning, which Bayer said is important in an increasingly online world. 

“I think the hardest part is education is changing and we have to be able to reach families and sometimes it’s not the traditional manner it’s always been,” Bayer said. “I really liked when one of our senators said we need to make the exceptions right now because life is changing. You can’t even work at a fast-food restaurant without understanding technology.” 

Bayer also discussed the process of addressing state legislators during committee meetings. 

“It’s very formal,” Bayer said. “You can’t speak to them directly. You have to know the protocol and they follow it very strictly, so it’s just a big learning curve. I’ve done it several times, but it’s still nerve-racking. It was wonderful for Principal Merrifield to do it.” 

She said attending these events is important for maintaining relationships with lawmakers. 

“We’ve just always felt it’s worth our time to go down and put names to faces,” Bayer said.  “If they have town hall meetings, we make sure to attend those. You always want to make sure you’re communicating well. It’s year round. We generally stay in contact.”