Amends and adds to existing law to provide for alternative authorization for administrators and to authorize the use of funds for related mentoring.

This legislation creates an Alternative Authorization Program for prospective school principals and superintendents that do not otherwise hold an administrator certificate. This legislation creates two pathways for candidates to become school principals and superintendents— a “grow your own” pathway and a “executive leadership pathway. The “grow your own” pathway is for experienced Idaho educators to develop leadership skills. The “executive leadership” pathway is for experienced professionals from other industries— including military officers, private sector executives, nonprofit leaders, and government officials— to gain preparation in school system operations. To ensure quality and accountability, applicants must be sponsored by a public school district, must meet specific preliminary requirements, and must complete an embedded mentorship program, which will focus on operational duties of an administrator. This bill is being introduced to help Idaho school districts that are struggling to find qualified administrators, particularly in rural areas. Many districts face increasing difficulty in recruiting school principals and superintendents, leaving critical leadership gaps that impact student growth and achievement.