Lawmakers review CTE budget as officials warn of oversubscribed programs and seek $10 million to expand capacity

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard a presentation Feb. 10 on the Division of Career Technical Education’s (CTE) base budget and FY2026 requests, as agency and legislative staff described large, statewide demand that has produced waitlists in programs such as welding and nursing and outlined a $10 million ongoing capacity proposal from the governor.

CTE, which supports career- and technical-programs across Idaho’s secondary schools, six technical colleges and adult education centers, asked for funding to add instructors, expand facilities and place a business-industry engagement manager in districts lacking that capacity, officials told the committee.

Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, gave the committee an overview of CTE’s structure and funds, noting CTE’s funding includes the Displaced Homemaker Fund, the Hazardous Materials and Waste Enforcement Fund and the Motorcycle Safety Fund and that CTE typically spends near 100% of its appropriations.

Joshua Whitworth, executive director for the State Board and interim administrator for the CTE division, told lawmakers the state “is seeing large demand across the entire career technical education, ecosystem, still significant,” and said the…