State Board systemwide requests modest funding for minors-on-campus training; transfers nearly $4M to institutions

Legislative staff and State Board of Education officials briefed the committee on the college and university systemwide budget, which funds transfers and programs that span Idaho's higher-education institutions.

Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Service Office, said systemwide is not a standalone campus but a mechanism within the State Board of Education to fund research, online learning platforms and other systemwide activities. He said systemwide has a $6.4 million base and that roughly $4.0 million of that amount is transferred annually to institutions for research and similar projects.

For FY2026 systemwide requested $15,000 for minors-on-campus training materials aimed at risks and responsibilities created by dual-credit and other programs that bring students under 18 to campus, and $3,600 to correct the FY2025 CEC calculation. Campbell also said earlier enhancements added staff to support online learning and an Apply Idaho project manager.

Joshua Woodworth, identified as director for the State Board of Education, told the committee the training request covers broader campus needs beyond dual-credit classes, including camps and other programs that bring minors to campus, and that the systemwide allocation is appropriate because the risk and training needs are systemwide.

No committee action was taken during the presentation; the request is modest and staff noted the transfers to institutions are the primary driver of the systemwide budget.