Idaho lawmakers agree on 5.9% funding increase for public schools budget

idaho-capitol

Idaho legislative budget writers on Monday set a public school budget for next year that reflects a 5.9 percent, $100 million increase in state funding next year.

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee passed the spending plan unanimously, with no debate or dissent.

The budget, which totals $1.785 billion in state general funds, includes a boost in discretionary funding to school districts – something state Superintendent of Schools Sherri Ybarra had requested, but Gov. Butch Otter had not.

The budget provides a hike of some $7.2 million to help districts cover health insurance cost increases, and $4 million to increase discretionary funding that school districts can direct to their own top-priority expenses, from utilities to textbooks.

It also increases funding for classroom technology, IT staffing in school districts, literacy proficiency, college and career advisors and mentors, and professional development.

The budget also ends funding for a statewide wireless technology contract with Education Networks of America that ends next year. All future appropriations for wireless technology will go directly to school districts, who can contract for the services with whomever they wish.

The school budget, which is broken down by division into seven bills, still needs passage in both the House and Senate and the governor’s signature to become law, but budgets rarely change once they’re set by members of JFAC.  (Spokesman-Review)

Tags: , ,