Tenure

Previously, if a teacher had been teaching for longer than three years, they received a continuing contract in the State of Idaho – a contract that was equivalent to tenure. Now, all new teachers entering Idaho’s public school system will be offered a one- or two-year rolling contract. If the district decides not to renew a two-year rolling contract, the teacher must be provided a written statement of reasons for non-reemployment by no later than July 1. The employee has a right to appeal to the local school board. If the local school board decides to terminate the contract in the middle of the contract, the school board must buy the contract out. This new contract will only be effective for new teachers and administrators. Those teachers who already have tenure will be grandfathered in. If we are going to create a public education system that is focused on the student, we can no longer permit a forever contract in our schools. No credible research shows that tenure helps improve student achievement.