Student transportation in Idaho: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from Idaho transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated October 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with the Idaho Department of Education before you act on them.
Does Idaho fund schools on attendance?
Yes. The Idaho Department of Education states that Idaho primarily funds public schools based on average daily attendance (ADA). ADA is the total days enrolled students are present divided by instructional days. ADA is converted to support units using divisors in Idaho Code 33-1002, and those units drive most state distributions. Check for formula updates before each school year.
Sources: Idaho Department of Education, 2026-27 Enrollment and Attendance Manual and Idaho Department of Education, FY2026 funding formula
How does Idaho reimburse pupil transportation?
Idaho Code 33-1006 sets the state share at 50% of reimbursable transportation costs from the previous fiscal year. Costs for state training and fee assessments plus bus depreciation and maintenance are reimbursed at 85%. Reimbursable costs are capped at 103% of the statewide average cost per mile or per student rider, whichever is more favorable to the district.
Source: Idaho Code 33-1006
What if our routes run above the cost cap?
Districts may appeal the 103% cap to the State Board of Education for hardship bus runs. A run qualifies when it meets at least 2 of 3 criteria. Riders per mile are under 50% of the statewide average. Less than a majority of the miles are on paved roads. Over 10% of the miles are on a 5% slope or greater. The board can set a higher limit for that operation.
Source: Idaho Code 33-1006
Which students qualify for transportation?
The Idaho Department of Education notes that no board of trustees is required to transport students who live less than 1.5 miles from the nearest appropriate school. Idaho Code 33-1006 frames reimbursable transportation around students who live 1.5 miles or more from school. Clear stop locations and distance data make it easier to show which riders count toward reimbursement each year.
Sources: Idaho Department of Education, student transportation and Idaho Code 33-1006
How often do districts report attendance?
Idaho schools report enrollment and attendance through the Idaho System for Educational Excellence (ISEE). The 2026-27 Enrollment and Attendance Manual lists submissions in October, November, December, March, May and at the end of the year.
Source: Idaho Department of Education, 2026-27 Enrollment and Attendance Manual
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