Idaho preschools could receive a rare show of confidence from the Legislature this session if a lawmaker succeeds in making the classes a matter of local option.

Preschool and kindergarten are not mandatory in Idaho, and lawmakers in the past have rejected efforts to win state funding for the classes. Idaho is one of a dozen states that do not fund preschool programs, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.

But Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, is proposing that voters in each school district be allowed to decide if they want locally funded pre-schools. He said preschool promotes child development and saves society money, but recognizes that some Idahoans want early childhood education to take place in the home.

"The thinking was, 'some districts want pre-K and some don't,'" said Schroeder, who sits on the Senate Education Committee. "Let the people decide."

As many as 30 school districts already provide preschool, Schroeder said, but nothing under state law provides for the creation of preschools. The proposed bill would legitimize that, Schroeder said.

"Why not change the law, so what they're doing is legal?" he said.

He said tax levies are a possible source of funding, but that the idea is that the programs wouldn't rely on state money.

"We're trying to build a house without enough foundation," Schroeder, an eight-term lawmaker, said. "Eventually the side blows out."

The federally-funded Head Start program is available in the area for low-income people who qualify, but participation is limited and there are waiting lists.

But even if the bill passes the Senate, its fate in the House remains unclear.

Rep. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, was chairman of a House Family Task Force that recommended against tightening regulation of day-care centers with fewer than 13 children. Thayn, a first-term lawmaker, said has said early education should not be government funded .

"Why aren't we looking at enriching parenting skills; that's what works. Pre-K is a Band-Aid," Thayn said.

The Twin Falls School District provides limited preschool for children with special needs. Twin Falls School District Superintendent Wiley Dobbs said he supports the idea of state-funded preschools. He also wants legislators to focus on kindergarten funding. "Our state lags in that area," he said.

But he said Schroeder's idea just doesn't go far enough.

"It's one way to put the responsibility on districts without funding it," said Dobbs.

Other education legislation expected during the coming legislative session includes:

Dual credit - The College of Southern Idaho wants $276,700 to expand dual credit options in math and science for eight rural schools as part of a pilot program. Dual credit lets high school students earn credit toward both a high school diploma and a postsecondary degree or certificate.

Teacher merit pay - A $60 million teacher pay plan by Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna would increase teachers' salaries if they increase student achievement on state assessment tests or further their training, among other things. Superintendents in Idaho support the plan, but many teachers remain skeptical, and their union will propose an alternative.

Student data - The state Education Department $1.47 billion general fund request to the Legislature includes $1.9 million for a system intended to collect data on dropout rates, enrollment, student achievement and other information, said department spokeswoman Melissa McGrath. She said about six other states also lack such a system.

Andrea Gates can be reached at 735-3380 or Andrea.Gates@lee.net.