ID H0420

Vacancies on school district boards shall be declared when a trustee dies, resigns, removes from their zone of residence, is no longer a resident or school district elector, refuses to serve, or fails to attend four consecutive regular meetings without acceptable excuse.

A vacancy exists automatically when a trustee is recalled and discharged under section 34-1712, Idaho Code, without requiring the board to formally declare it; the recalled trustee cannot participate in board business between the special recall election and certification of results.

Board of trustees must appoint a qualified person to fill vacancies within 90 days; after 90 days if unable to appoint from the vacated zone, the board may appoint at-large from the school district; after 120 days, the board of county commissioners makes the appointment.

A quorum for board business requires a majority of board members; when one or more vacancies exist, business may proceed if a majority of the remaining members are present.

The act becomes effective July 1, 2024, and is declared an emergency measure.