Committee backs IDLA enrollment increase, lowers per-course fee in budget language

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a population-forecast adjustment adding $3,577,600 from the general fund for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) and accepted related statutory language by unanimous consent that changes IDLA fees and clarifies funding rules.

Analysts told the committee that changes enacted by House Bill 452 last session revised IDLA's funding formula; the new formula ties funding to IDLA enrollment and is expected to save the state roughly $2.8 million compared with the prior formula. The budget request approved by the committee increases the enrollment estimate from 49,680 for the current year to an estimated 58,000 for the next year. The motion to add $3,577,600 was moved by Representative Petsky and seconded on the floor; the committee recorded a majority in favor and sent the motion forward with a do-pass recommendation.

Committee members also accepted on unanimous consent statutory language that includes the following changes as shown on the screen: (1) a limit on IDLA draws from the Public Education Stabilization Fund for costs associated with enrollments above appropriation; (2) an amendment to reduce the allowed IDLA tuition charge from $75 to $40 per enrollment; and (3) language directing the legislature to consider policies to verify state funds provided to IDLA match individuals and to review the funding process. The committee indicated that the legislative working group and analysts will coordinate a report for the summer on funding-process options.

Why this matters: IDLA provides online courses and dual-credit and advanced opportunities for students statewide. The change to a lower per-enrollment cap and the enrollment-driven funding formula directly affect IDLA's revenue and student access parameters going forward.