Idaho education leaders addressing public education funding formula tonight at College of Eastern Idaho
David Pace
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Superintendent Debbie Critchfield and Senator Dave Lent (R-Idaho Falls) invite the public, teachers and education stakeholders to participate in a listening session tonight from 6 to 8 PM at College of Eastern Idaho.
The Idaho Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 121 this year requesting modernization of the public school funding formula and asking “the Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction to present draft legislation to the Legislature that revises” how schools are funded.
“The Legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the state to align the public school funding formula with Idaho’s vision for education and to modernize the public school funding formula to ensure it meets constitutional obligations and the evolving needs of students, staff, and communities,” the resolution states.
The formula distributes more than $2.5 billion each year to school districts and public charter schools.
Today’s education environment has evolved significantly since the formula was last updated in 1994.
According to the resolution, “Educational delivery models and student needs [then] differ[ed] substantially from those of today, including traditional brick-and-mortar schools, rural and remote districts, small and large districts, public charter schools, virtual education programs, and blended learning models.”
Lawmakers also hope to deliver more effective support and resources for students with special needs.
Listening sessions are being held in Idaho Falls, Boise and Coeur d’Alene.
Additional comment will be accepted at a Virtual Funding Formula Modernization listening Session on June 25 from 6 to 8 PM at https://idahosde.zoom.us/j/96901934245#success.Tune in to our broadcast at 10PM tonight for the full report. This article will be updated this evening.