Lawmakers press Idaho Career Technical Education on wait lists, oversight of $10 million workforce proposal

Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, presented the Division of Career Technical Education’s overview and FY2026 budget request Monday to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

CTE is seeking a mix of ongoing and one-time funding, including a $10 million ongoing governor recommendation to expand capacity in high‑demand programs and a slate of smaller requests for instructors, a business‑industry engagement manager and adult education. Joshua Whitworth, executive director for the State Board of Education and interim leader of the CTE division, told the committee the state is seeing “massive growth of demand” and that CTE is trying to expand faculty and facilities to reduce wait lists.

Why it matters: Committee members repeatedly tied the funding request to statewide workforce shortages. Members cited long wait lists for programs such as welding and nursing and pressed CTE on how dollars would be distributed, how the state would ensure oversight of grants, and whether federal grant guidance affects timing of spending.

CTE overview and requests CTE provides career education across secondary schools, six technical colleges and adult workforce training centers. Kevin Campbell told the committee CTE reported roughly 569 full‑time positions (FTP) and that approximately 93.3% of some appropriations are spent on personnel‑related costs. Campbell and Whitworth summarized recent and requested appropriations, including:

- Ongoing and one‑time appropriations in recent years for personnel, middle/high‑school readiness and equipment. Notable past one‑time sums included $10 million for secondary CTE programs and $5 million for postsecondary equipment and investments. - FY2026 requests including…