Bill Description: House Bill 671 establishes election timelines and procedures to fill a vacancy resulting from the recall or resignation of a school board trustee.
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Does the bill create more transparency or accountability in public education institutions? (+) Conversely, does the bill reduce transparency and accountability in such institutions? (-)
House Bill 671 amends provisions of the Idaho Code to establish timelines and procedures to fill a trustee vacancy resulting from recall or resignation. The election can be held no sooner than 85 days after it is ordered by the county clerk.
Generally, if the election will occur within 120 days of the clerk’s order, the seat remains vacant until after the election. When multiple vacancies occur and the board does not have a quorum, the board of county commissioners will appoint the number of trustees that allows the board to resume operation “until the next election date.”
If the election will occur more than 120 days after the clerk issues the order, then a temporary trustee from the vacant zone will be appointed to fill the vacancy until a permanent trustee is elected. If 60 days have passed and the board is not able to appoint a temporary trustee from the vacant zone, the board is authorized to “appoint a person at large from within the boundaries of the school district.” When multiple vacancies occur and the board does not have a quorum, the board of county commissioners will appoint the number of trustees that allows the board to resume operation “until the next election date.”
The bill increases accountability and transparency in public education institutions by establishing clear procedures for replacing a trustee who resigns or is recalled so that school boards can continue to conduct business with a full complement of trustees.
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