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JFAC hears 10‑year enrollment trend and adjusts student support funding, moves $9.5M federal supplemental
Summary
Analysts told JFAC that Idaho’s K–12 funding formula and support units reflect a decade of shifting enrollments; the committee approved population‑forecast adjustments, formula‑related reductions, transfers to endowment funds, and a $9.5 million federal supplemental for Title I and IDEA payments.
Analysts presented JFAC with a 10‑year enrollment history to explain multiple adjustments in the public school support program. The committee reviewed formula mechanics — support units, district staffing mixes and protections for small and rural districts — and heard that statewide enrollment dropped by roughly 500 students from 2023 to 2024. Staff recommended population forecast adjustments that included reducing 200 support units in certain categories and reallocating funds among general, dedicated and federal sources.
Mr. Jared Tetro, deputy division manager in Legislative Services, told the committee that the student support division consolidated several programs last year and that some enhancement requests are contingent on pending legislation (for example, a special needs student fund tied to House Bill 291). He described requested enhancements including a weighted student funding formula, transportation formula adjustments, and ongoing federal program funding.
Separately, the committee approved a $9.5 million FY2025 supplemental from the federal grants fund. Analysts said the supplemental is necessary because some districts were eligible for federal Title I‑A and IDEA Part B funds in FY2024 but those payments exceeded appropriation caps and were paid out of the subsequent year’s appropriation. The motion authorizing the supplemental passed on the committee floor.
Discussion: Committee members emphasized the formula’s antiquated elements and noted that equity across districts depends on local hiring and the composition of staff (e.g., proportion of teachers with advanced degrees). One co‑chair explained the formula ‘‘worked great in 1994’’ but requires updates to reflect current student mobility and district hiring patterns.
Outcome: JFAC approved the population forecast adjustments and the $9.5 million federal supplemental. The committee also approved motion language that adds federal‑fund restrictions, conditions and verification requirements and a technical amendment referencing Idaho Code section 33‑1004(e) (district salary‑based apportionment changes consistent with a 5% CEC already signed into law).
Ending: Analysts and members asked staff to return with clarifications if legislative bills progress; committee chairs said they will monitor the effects of the formula changes and any required trailer appropriations tied to future legislation.
