The budget-setting arm of the Idaho Legislature, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) heard presentations on the annual K-12 public schools budget and the Idaho Department of Education’s budget this week, including highlights from Superintendent Debbie Critchfield.
The fiscal year 2027 budget request focuses on protecting existing K-12 funding in a tight state fiscal environment while proposing solutions to expand support for special education services in Idaho without requesting additional funding.
“I appreciate the opportunity to walk legislators through the ‘why’ behind our budget recommendations and to provide the context they need as they make these important decisions,” said Superintendent Critchfield. “Today’s conversation allowed us to answer questions, explain our priorities, and share how these investments support Idaho’s students, educators and communities.”
The K-12 budget represents the majority of state funding for public education and is one of Idaho’s largest allocations of public dollars. This year’s request would increase flexibility and efficiency in how local education agencies can use existing funds. It also includes statutory adjustments and required health insurance expenses.
The proposal also addresses Idaho’s growing demand for education services. An earlier version of the request, submitted in September, asked the Legislature to approve $50 million in special education block grants, but was revised as Idaho’s fiscal outlook became clearer.
“As we became more aware of the statewide financial picture, it was clear we needed to make game-time adjustments to our original plan for special education funding,” said Critchfield. “My team regrouped, identified new solutions, and found ways to move forward responsibly.”
The current budget request identifies two existing funding sources that can be redirected to support students without drawing from the state’s General Fund. Remaining dollars in the Driver Training account and interest earnings from the Idaho Career Ready Students fund would be redirected to areas of greater need.
“I’m grateful to my team for being willing to pivot quickly, find creative solutions to complex challenges, and for always going the extra mile for education in Idaho,” said Critchfield.
