Education department asks JFAC for staff, assessment and program funding to address rising special‑education workload and other needs

The State Department of Education told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee during a budget hearing that it needs additional staff and spending authority to respond to growing special-education workload, upgrade statewide assessments and expand several programs.

Deputy Division Manager Jared Tetro of the Legislative Services Office, presenting department budget material, said the department is organized into two program areas and currently has authorization for 126.5 full‑time equivalent positions, with 9.5 vacancies at the time of the budget submission. He described the department’s role as an executive agency tied to the State Board of Education “as established in 30‑3‑125 Idaho Code,” and noted personnel and grant shifts that have affected recent spending patterns, including the transfer of broadband and IT positions to the State Board of Education.

The department and its superintendent, Debbie Critchfield, outlined seven ongoing enhancement requests for fiscal 2026. The proposals include one full‑time dispute resolution specialist (requested at about $84,400) to support special‑education communications and case management; a charter‑school special‑education specialist to meet federal monitoring and technical‑assistance requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education…