Idaho Constitution Article IX - Education and School Lands
Idaho Constitution – Article IX: Education and School Lands
Overview:
Article IX of the Idaho Constitution outlines the state’s responsibility for public education and governs the management of school lands granted by the federal government. It establishes a public school system, funding mechanisms, and protections for school land endowments.
🔹 Key Sections and Their Highlights:
Section 1 – Legislature to Establish System of Free Schools
"The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools."
Mandates a system of free public education.
Ensures it is general, uniform, and thorough.
Section 2 – School Funds and Lands
School lands granted by the federal government are held in trust for the support of public schools.
Revenue from these lands (e.g., leases, sales) must be used exclusively for education.
Section 3 – Public School Fund
Defines the creation of a permanent public school fund.
Includes proceeds from land sales, donations, escheated property, and other sources.
Section 4 – Restrictions on School Fund Use
Prohibits using the principal of the school fund.
Only the interest and income can be used to support schools.
Section 5 – Investment of Permanent Endowment Funds
Allows the State Board of Land Commissioners to invest permanent funds prudently.
Emphasizes preservation of capital and generating income for education.
Section 6 – Religious Test and Sectarian Influence Prohibited
Prohibits religious qualifications for students or staff.
No public money can support sectarian schools.
Section 8 – Textbooks to Be Provided Free
Requires the state to provide free textbooks to all students in public schools.
Section 9 – Compulsory Attendance
Legislature may require compulsory school attendance for children of certain ages.
🔹 Additional Notable Provisions:
Control of School Lands: Managed by the State Board of Land Commissioners.
Trust Responsibility: The state holds school lands in perpetual trust for education.
Protection from Diversion: Funds and lands designated for schools cannot be diverted for other uses.
✅ Summary:
Article IX confirms Idaho’s commitment to free, secular, and quality education, while protecting the financial foundations of that system through strict management of school endowment lands and funds.
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