Court Upholds Students Come First

In a ruling released today, the Students Come First laws were upheld in Idaho district court.

“I am pleased the court rejected the union’s lawsuit to overturn portions of Students Come First. Through this legislation, we phased out tenure, eliminated early retirement bonuses, and returned decision-making back to locally elected school boards. We will continue to move forward in implementing the Students Come First reform efforts that have already begun improving public education for all students across Idaho,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. 

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said, “The Legislature did the right thing, and now so has Judge Hansen. That’s welcome news. But we recognize this issue and the fate of Students Come First will remain in the courts – including the court of public opinion. Superintendent Luna and I are confident that Idaho citizens understand what’s at stake.  What’s important today is that these necessary and responsible reforms are continuing to move forward.”

The Idaho Education Association filed suit against portions of the Students Come First laws in April, and Judge Timothy Hansen heard the case in August.  Today, he ruled in favor of the Students Come First laws.

The Students Come First laws are historic education reforms that will make every Idaho classroom a 21st Century Classroom, ensure every student has access to a highly effective teacher every year in school, and give parents immediate access to understandable information about their child’s school and district.