Student Learning Funds Guidance

2026–2027

Purpose of This Guidance

Student Learning Funds are designed to support each student's educational needs at Snake River Opportunities School (SROS). These funds help remove barriers and provide access to approved tools, materials, services, and educational experiences that directly support a student's learning.

All Student Learning Fund expenditures must directly support a student's enrollment in and successful completion of current SROS coursework.

This guidance explains how SROS reviews Student Learning Fund requests for the 2026–2027 school year. It is intended to provide clear, consistent expectations for families and staff by identifying eligible educational expenses, annual funding limits, and items that are currently not allowed.

SROS reviews all Student Learning Fund requests using:

• Idaho Code

• Applicable Idaho State Board of Education administrative rules (IDAPA)

• Current State Board guidance

• SROS procedures

This guidance reflects the requirements for the 2026–2027 school year and may be updated if Idaho law, State Board rules, or district procedures change.

Legal Basis for Student Learning Funds

Beginning July 1, 2026, Idaho law requires that Student Learning Funds provided through a virtual school be used only for eligible educational expenses.

Except where specifically authorized by Idaho law, approved Student Learning Fund purchases are made directly by SROS. Student Learning Funds are public education funds and are not paid directly to families. Internet access is the only category that may be reimbursed to families when approved by SROS.

Eligible educational expenses include:

1. Computer hardware, internet access, and other technology primarily used to meet a student's educational needs.

2. Textbooks, curriculum, instructional materials, educational software, and educational applications.

3. Fees for approved standardized assessments, Advanced Placement examinations, college admission examinations, and industry-recognized certification examinations.

4. Approved therapies and related educational services.

5. Other educational expenses permitted under Idaho Code and applicable State Board administrative rules.

Because Student Learning Funds are public education funds, every approved request must:

• Fit within an allowable legal category.

• Directly support the student's educational needs.

• Connect to current SROS coursework, credit, or an approved educational plan.

• Be documented and purchased according to SROS procedures.

Requests that do not meet these requirements cannot be approved.

How Student Learning Funds Work

Step 1 – Submit a Student Learning Fund Request

Families must submit a Student Learning Fund Request before any purchase is made.

Requests must receive SROS approval before:

• SROS purchases an item or service.

• A family submits a request for approved internet reimbursement.

Purchases made before approval are not eligible for funding.

Step 2 – Request Review

The SROS team reviews each request to determine whether it:

• Meets Idaho Code and State Board requirements.

• Supports the student's educational needs.

• Connects to a current SROS course, graduation requirement, or approved educational plan.

• Can be purchased using Student Learning Funds.

• Meets current SROS purchasing procedures.

• Falls within annual funding limits.

Additional information may be requested before a decision is made.

Step 3 – Purchasing

For most approved requests, SROS purchases the item directly from an approved vendor.

Families will receive:

• Notification when the request is approved.

• Confirmation when an order has been placed.

• Information regarding shipping or delivery when applicable.

Most purchases require approximately 3–4 weeks for processing and delivery.

Internet Reimbursement

Internet access is the only Student Learning Fund expense eligible for reimbursement to families.

When approved:

• Families will receive access to the Internet Reimbursement Request Form.

• Receipts or billing statements must be uploaded through the designated reimbursement form.

• Receipts submitted by email cannot be accepted.

• Reimbursements generally require 3–4 weeks to process.

Approved reimbursement may cover up to 50% of the monthly internet bill, not to exceed $100 per month, unless a higher amount has been approved due to documented access needs.

Eligibility Requirements

To access Student Learning Funds, students must be actively enrolled at Snake River Opportunities School (SROS) and meet all eligibility requirements established by Idaho Code, applicable Idaho State Board of Education administrative rules, and SROS procedures.

Student Learning Fund Availability (2026–2027)

Student Learning Funds are earned and become available throughout the school year as students demonstrate continued engagement and academic progress.

Rather than making the full annual allocation available at the beginning of the school year, SROS distributes Student Learning Funds in stages based on student participation and progress. This approach ensures that public education funds support active learning throughout the school year.

A student's available Student Learning Fund balance is based on:

• Continued enrollment at SROS.

• Completion of the Foundations Course (new students) or Returning Student "Welcome Back" activities.

• Progress in In Progress and Mastered coursework.

• Required program fee deductions.

• Previous approved Student Learning Fund purchases.

Student Learning Fund requests may not exceed the student's available balance.

Student Learning Fund Distribution Schedule

For students enrolled for the full school year, Student Learning Funds become available according to the following schedule:

Portion of the School Year

Start Month

Foundations Session

# of Credits

Maximum Annual Funds

10% In Progress & Mastered + Foundations / Welcome Back

30% In Progress & Mastered

50% In Progress & Mastered

75% In Progress & Mastered*

Full Year

August / September

FS1–FS2 / Returning Students

12

$1,200

$400

$300

$400

$100

8 Months

October

FS3

11

$1,100

$400

$200

$400

$100

7 Months

November

FS4

9

$1,000

$400

$100

$400

$100

6 Months

December

FS5

7

$850

$400

$100

$300

$50

5 Months

January

FS6

6

$750

$400

$100

$200

$50

4 Months

February

FS7

4

$650

$400

$75

$100

$75

*Final distribution must be earned no later than March 16, 2027.

How Student Learning Funds Become Available

Student Learning Funds are released as students meet each milestone shown above. To receive each distribution, students must:

• Remain actively enrolled & making adequate progress at SROS.

• Complete the required Foundations Course (new students) or Returning Student "Welcome Back" activities.

• Reach the required percentage of In Progress and Mastered coursework.

• Meet all other eligibility requirements described in this guidance.

Program Fees (2026–2027)

Grade Level

Program Fee: Program fees are assessed each trimester and deducted from a student's available Student Learning Fund balance.

Grades 6–11

$25 per trimester ($75 annually)

Grade 12

$50 per trimester ($150 annually)

Program fees support:

• Face-to-face learning opportunities

• Adventure experiences

• Graduation activities

• Facility and space rentals

• Student programming and school events

Annual Purchasing Limits (2026–2027)

To provide equitable access to Student Learning Funds across all students, SROS has established the following purchasing limits for the 2026–2027 school year:

• Student Learning Fund support is limited to $225 per course per school year.

• Students may purchase a maximum of two computers within a four-year period.

• Computer purchases may not exceed $600.

• Other technology purchases may not exceed $300.

These purchasing limits apply only to the 2026–2027 school year and may be revised for future school years.

Roll-Over Opportunity (Tentative)

Students who preregister for the 2027–2028 school year may be eligible to roll over up to $400 in unused Student Learning Funds, subject to continued enrollment, available funding, and applicable state and district requirements.

Coursework Connection

All Student Learning Fund requests must directly support a student's current SROS coursework, graduation requirements, or an approved educational plan.

If requesting funds for an activity, camp, class, certification, therapy, or educational experience, the student must be enrolled in a related SROS course or receive approved educational credit connected to the request.

Requests that do not clearly support a student's educational program cannot be approved.

Request Review and Approval

Every Student Learning Fund request is reviewed individually to ensure it complies with Idaho Code, applicable Idaho State Board of Education administrative rules, and SROS procedures.

Approval of one request does not guarantee approval of another request that appears similar. Funding decisions are based on the student's current educational needs, available Student Learning Funds, and the information provided at the time of the request.

When reviewing a request, SROS considers whether the request:

• Directly supports the student's current SROS coursework, graduation requirements, or approved educational plan.

• Falls within an allowable educational expense category established by Idaho law and applicable State Board administrative rules.

• Supports the student's educational needs.

• Meets the eligibility requirements and annual purchasing limits described in this guidance.

• Can be purchased or paid for in accordance with Idaho law and SROS procedures.

SROS may request additional information before making a funding decision.

SROS reserves the right to deny any request that does not meet these requirements, even if a similar request was approved during a previous school year.

Eligible Products & Services

Student Learning Funds may be used only for approved educational expenses that directly support a student's current SROS coursework, graduation requirements, or approved educational plan.

Unless otherwise permitted by Idaho law, approved Student Learning Fund expenses are purchased or paid directly by SROS. Families should not purchase items or pay fees expecting reimbursement. Internet access is the only expense category eligible for reimbursement when approved by SROS.

The examples below provide guidance for the 2026–2027 school year.

1. Technology & Digital Learning

Legal Reference: Idaho Code § 33-5206(8)(m)(ii)(1)

SROS May Purchase

Technology primarily used to support a student's educational needs, including:

• Computers and tablets

• Internet access

• Modems, routers, hotspots, and Wi-Fi extenders

• Headphones, webcams, keyboards, mice, and similar computer peripherals

• Educational software and digital applications

• Other technology that directly supports current SROS coursework

Currently Not Allowed (2026–2027)

• Smartphones

• Smartwatches

• Televisions

• Gaming systems and consoles

• Streaming devices

• Entertainment electronics

• Computer components intended primarily for gaming or personal use

• Extended warranties or protection plans

• Software or subscriptions not connected to current SROS coursework

Important Information

• Technology purchases are made directly by SROS.

• Internet access is the only technology expense eligible for reimbursement.

• Computer purchases are limited to two computers within four years.

• Computer purchases may not exceed $600.

• Other technology purchases may not exceed $300.

2. Curriculum & Learning Resources

Legal Reference: Idaho Code § 33-5206(8)(m)(ii)(2)

SROS May Purchase

Instructional materials that directly support current SROS coursework, including:

• Textbooks

• Curriculum

• Books and workbooks

• Educational software

• Educational applications

• Instructional subscriptions

• Reference materials

Currently Not Allowed (2026–2027)

• Adult or inappropriate content

• Entertainment subscriptions

• In-game purchases

• Materials not connected to current SROS coursework

3. Assessments & Student Support Services

Legal Reference: Idaho Code § 33-5206(8)(m)(ii)(3)–(5)

SROS May Pay

Approved educational services that directly support student learning or postsecondary readiness, including:

• SAT, ACT, AP, IB, and other approved assessment fees

• College admission examinations

• Industry-recognized certification examinations

• State Board-approved therapies

• Academic tutoring

• Other educational services approved under Idaho law

Currently Not Allowed (2026–2027)

• Tests already funded through another public education program

• Services not connected to an educational need

• Services provided by unapproved providers

• Instrument repairs, maintenance, tuning, or insurance

4. SROS Educational Programs & Experiences

Legal Reference: Idaho Code § 33-5206(8)(m)(ii)(5)

Student Learning Funds May Be Used For

Allowable educational expenses associated with SROS-sponsored educational programs, adventure learning experiences, and face-to-face learning opportunities, when permitted by Idaho Code, applicable State Board administrative rules, and SROS procedures.

Allowable expenses may include:

• Required instructional materials

• Required curriculum

• Required technology

• Other allowable educational expenses directly connected to the SROS-sponsored educational experience

Currently Not Allowed (2026–2027)

• Camps, classes, or educational experiences not sponsored by SROS

• Participation or registration fees that are not allowable under Idaho law or applicable State Board administrative rules

• Private school tuition

• Private virtual school tuition

• Religious camps

• Transportation

• Food

• Fundraising or donation fees

• Spirit wear

• Yearbooks

• Non-required apparel

5. Educational Supplies & Equipment

Legal Reference: Idaho Code § 33-5206(8)(m)(ii)(5)

SROS May Purchase

Educational supplies and equipment that directly support current SROS coursework, including:

• School supplies

• STEM materials

• Science equipment

• Art supplies

• Calculators

• Musical instruments

• Physical education equipment

• Sensory materials

• Manipulatives

• Career Technical Education (CTE) tools

• Educational games and puzzles

• Planners and organizational tools

Currently Not Allowed (2026–2027)

• Household furniture

• Household appliances

• Gaming chairs or loungers

• Storage furniture

• Toys intended primarily for recreation

• Motorized equipment

• Trampolines

• Boats

• Pools

• Animals

• Gift cards

• Items that promote violence, criminal behavior, or unsafe activities

6. Other Approved Educational Expenses

Legal Reference: Idaho Code § 33-5206(8)(m)(ii)(5)

SROS May Pay or Purchase

Other educational expenses may be approved when they:

• Directly support a student's current SROS coursework or approved educational plan.

• Meet the requirements of Idaho Code and applicable State Board administrative rules.

• Are approved by SROS before any purchase or payment is made.

• Can be documented and processed in accordance with SROS procedures.

Currently Not Allowed (2026–2027)

Student Learning Funds may not be used for items or services that:

• Are primarily for personal, recreational, or household use.

• Do not directly support the student's educational program.

• Cannot be purchased or documented in accordance with Idaho law or SROS procedures.

• Are prohibited by Idaho Code or applicable State Board administrative rules.

Purchasing, Delivery, and Reimbursement

Unless otherwise permitted by Idaho law, approved Student Learning Fund expenses are purchased or paid directly by SROS.

Families should not purchase items or pay fees expecting reimbursement unless specifically authorized by SROS.

Direct Purchases

For approved purchases, SROS will:

• Purchase approved items through an approved vendor whenever possible.

• Notify families when a request has been approved.

• Provide follow-up information when an order has been placed or is ready for pickup or delivery.

Most purchases require approximately 3–4 weeks for processing and delivery.

Internet Reimbursement

Internet access is the only Student Learning Fund expense eligible for reimbursement to families.

When internet reimbursement is approved:

• Families will receive access to the Internet Reimbursement Request Form.

• Receipts or billing statements must be submitted using the designated reimbursement form.

• Receipts submitted by email cannot be accepted.

• Reimbursements generally require 3–4 weeks to process.

Approved reimbursement may cover up to 50% of the monthly internet bill, not to exceed $100 per month, unless a higher amount has been approved because of documented access needs.

Questions

SROS maintains records of Student Learning Fund requests, approvals, purchases, reimbursements, program fee deductions, and available balances to ensure compliance with Idaho law, applicable State Board administrative rules, district policy, and SROS procedures.

Questions about Student Learning Funds or the request process may be directed to:

Email: srohs@snakeriver.org