Community Conversation: Idaho Falls Town Hall
By Jamie Braithwaite, Idaho State PTA President
As a mother of seven, an Idahoan, and President of the Idaho State PTA, I believe fiercely in the transformative power of public education. For 120 years, Idaho PTA has worked to ensure every child can reach their full potential, regardless of ability, income, or background.
Today, that vision faces an urgent challenge because House Bill 93 (HB93) has already passed—and is diverting millions of public dollars to private schools with little transparency or accountability.
Building Trust and Credibility in Our Communities
At the recent Save Our Schools Town Hall in Idaho Falls, someone in the audience asked me a question that cuts to the heart of this debate:
“This bill allocates only 0.89% of the general fund budget. Our state has not provided funds to properly support schools ever. This bill is creating a forum to discuss the best interest of Idaho kids, but how are you addressing building trust and credibility within our communities to garner the support needed to move the mark here in our community? This room supports public education, but what are you doing to build trust and support within this community?”
This is exactly the right question. It’s not just about the money. It’s about trust.
When money is diverted off the top of the state budget to private schools, without public debate or legislative appropriation, it fuels mistrust in how decisions are made. Communities rightly ask:
Who decides how public money is spent?
Are those decisions transparent and accountable?
Will every child, especially the most vulnerable, be served?
How We Build Trust
As Idaho PTA President—and as a mother, neighbor, and community member—I’m focused on building trust in three practical ways:
Listening First.
We’re hosting conversations across Idaho to hear parents’ and teachers’ concerns. Real trust grows when people feel heard, not lectured. Parents want to know: “Will my school stay open? Will my child’s teacher have what they need to teach effectively?” We have to listen before we lead.
Sharing Facts, Not Fear.
Misinformation erodes credibility. For example, many Idahoans don’t realize that we already have nine public school choice options—and that HB93 doesn’t create new choices, but simply shifts who pays the bill. We’re working hard to share accurate, accessible information so families can make informed decisions.
Advocating for All Children, Not Just Some.
Our message is simple: public dollars should serve the entire public. Private schools have their place, but they cannot replace public schools, which must accept and educate every child. By emphasizing equity and fairness, we show Idahoans that we’re advocating not just for “our own kids,” but for every child.
The Path Forward
Idaho has historically underfunded education. Our public schools have stretched every dollar to serve a growing, diverse population of learners. But real progress will come only when communities trust that the system is:
Transparent
Accountable
Designed to serve every child, not just a few
I believe the path forward lies in keeping the conversation going. HB93 has sparked passionate debate, but we must move beyond debate to solutions that strengthen—not divide—our communities.
We build trust when we stand together for the principle that public dollars should remain in public schools to serve all Idaho kids. I’m committed to doing this work, shoulder to shoulder with parents, teachers, and community leaders.
What Idahoans Can Do
HB93 has already passed and is reshaping Idaho’s education funding. If you care about Idaho’s future, here’s how you can help:
Learn how your lawmakers voted on HB93.
Sign the “Not A Dollar More” petition.
Talk with friends and neighbors about the facts.
Contact your legislators and urge them to protect public schools.
Public dollars should serve the entire public. Our kids, our teachers, and our communities deserve nothing less.
HB93 Isn’t About New Choices
Supporters of HB93 often frame it as a win for “school choice.” But let’s be clear: Idaho already offers robust school choice. Families here enjoy nine publicly funded options, including neighborhood schools, open enrollment, magnet schools, charter schools, online virtual programs, dual enrollment / advanced opportunities, alternative schools, homeschool, and private school.
My own seven children have experienced nearly all of these pathways. Choice is alive and well in Idaho. HB93 did not create new choices—it simply shifted who pays the bill.
Under HB93, private educational expenses are now subsidized by public tax dollars. Yet private schools are not required to serve all students, particularly those with special needs, English language learners, students with behavioral challenges, or low income families who often lack a strong voice at the table.
The Threat of Further Expansion
$50 million is already diverted— voucher advocates are already pushing to expand HB93 to $150 million or more. Meanwhile, Governor Little has warned of statewide budget cuts of 4% to 6% to core services like public education.
Public schools are being forced to do more with less, while HB93’s tax credits remain protected from cuts. This creates a system where public schools bear the financial burden, even as private institutions benefit from new taxpayer subsidies.
Protecting Idaho’s Promise
Our Constitution makes Idaho’s duty clear: to maintain a “general, uniform and thorough” system of free public schools. When public funds are diverted before the legislative appropriation process, we weaken that promise—and risk leaving our most vulnerable students behind.
Private schools have a valuable place in our communities, especially religious and mission-based institutions. But private school is a private choice. It cannot come at the cost of undermining the public system that serves all Idaho’s children.
Jamie Braithwaite is the Idaho State PTA President. She holds an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology and an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in Technology and Engineering Education. She and her husband, Garth, have raised seven children in Idaho Falls, experiencing nearly every educational option Idaho offers. Jamie is a passionate advocate for families, public education, and community engagement.
