ID S1290

Creates a new Rural and Underserved Educator Incentive Program administered by the State Board of Education to provide loan repayment assistance or reimbursement for eligible educational expenses for teachers and pupil service employees in qualifying schools.

Establishes eligibility for educators employed full-time in Idaho school districts or public charter schools located in rural areas (per section 33-319) or economically disadvantaged schools (eligible for Title I, Part A federal funding).

Provides incentive awards of $1,500 (year one), $2,500 (year two), $3,500 (year three), and $4,500 (year four) for educators with educational loans of at least $1,000 or eligible education expenses of at least $1,000, with awards available for up to four years if the educator remains at the same school or district.

Requires educators to have a signed contract with the school, possess non-defaulted educational loans, and submit applications with official loan debt verification to the State Board of Education.

Becomes effective July 1, 2022, and allows the State Board of Education to promulgate rules for program implementation and determine annual awards based on available appropriations.