ID: Faces Legal and Policy Challenges Over Voucher Program and Education Reforms

Idaho's legislative session will focus on education reforms, including private school voucher programs and educator safety according to IEA reports.

The Idaho Education Association (IEA) is challenging a $50 million voucher program, arguing it diverts public funds away from public schools and lacks accountability as IEA claims.

A recent survey by the IEA highlights concerns over student-on-teacher violence and the need for increased mental health support in schools according to the survey.

Idaho lawmakers are preparing for a legislative session that will focus on education issues, particularly the controversial $50 million voucher program established by House Bill 93. This program allows public funds to be used for private school tuition, with no oversight for curriculum standards or financial accountability as reported.

The voucher program has already faced legal challenges. The Idaho Education Association (IEA) has filed a lawsuit against the program, arguing it violates the state constitution by creating a parallel taxpayer-funded school system according to IEA. Applications for the program opened on January 15, 2026, and lawmakers are expected to debate whether to expand it, despite concerns over budget shortfalls as noted.

Beyond the voucher debate, educator safety remains a key concern. A recent survey from the IEA found that 28% of educators experienced student-on-teacher violence within the past year, with concerns over classroom behavior and mental health support persisting according to the survey. The IEA also advocates for increased investments in public schools, which serve over 90% of Idaho students as IEA states.

What Legal Challenges Does the Voucher Program Face?

The voucher program is under significant legal scrutiny. The Idaho Education Association filed a lawsuit against House Bill 93, arguing it violates the Idaho Constitution by diverting public funds to a private school system without accountability measures as IEA claims. The Idaho Supreme Court has yet to rule on the matter, and if the court sides against IEA, the organization has vowed to continue challenging the program during the legislative session according to IEA.

The legal battle centers around the state constitution's requirement to fund public education for all students. IEA argues that the voucher program undermines this commitment by shifting resources away from public schools. Lawmakers may face pressure to amend or expand the program, but doing so could strain an already tight state budget, especially in light of recent tax cuts as reported.

How Is the Debate Over Public Education Funding Evolving?

The debate over public versus private school funding is intensifying. Idaho GOP Chair Dorothy Moon has criticized the idea that additional spending alone can fix systemic issues in public schools, promoting school choice as a solution according to GOP Chair. She pointed to recent standardized test scores, which show Idaho's 8th grade math and reading proficiency levels lagging behind national averages as data indicates.

However, public school advocates, including State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield, argue that the debate should not diminish the role of public schools according to public school advocates. They emphasize that many Idaho families still choose public schools and that underfunding, especially for special education, remains a critical issue. Some lawmakers have joined lawsuits against the voucher program, citing concerns that it could shift even more resources away from public schools as IEA states.

The debate is also influenced by broader political trends. Anti-union legislation is expected to be introduced, following a pattern seen in other states. These efforts aim to limit the power of public-sector unions and may face resistance from groups like the IEA according to IEA reports.

As the legislative session unfolds, the future of Idaho's education funding model remains uncertain. The outcome of the voucher program's legal challenges and the success of legislative proposals will shape the state's approach to public education for years to come according to IEA.