Lawmakers press CTE on faculty, facilities as demand and waitlists grow

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Feb. 10 heard an overview of Idaho’s Division of Career Technical Education budget and FY2026 requests from Legislative Services analyst Kevin Campbell and interim CTE administrator Joshua Whitworth, who told lawmakers that demand for CTE programs has grown sharply and that the governor has proposed $10 million in ongoing general‑fund support to expand capacity.

Campbell told the committee CTE operates statewide through programs at secondary schools, Idaho’s six technical colleges and related adult‑education and workforce training centers, and reported CTE staffing at about 569 FTP (as presented to the committee). He described CTE’s revenue structure, noting three earmarked funds: the Displaced Homemaker Fund (funded by a $20 fee on divorces), the Hazardous Materials and Waste Enforcement Fund (funded by trip and annual hazmat permits) and the Motorcycle Safety Fund (funded by driver’s license and motorcycle registration fees and training registration). Campbell summarized recent appropriations, including one‑time totals and earlier ongoing investments for instructors, firefighter training equipment and secondary readiness.

Why it matters: CTE trains workers for occupations the state says are in demand — welding, nursing, manufacturing and other applied trades — and committee members pressed officials about whether the agency has the faculty, space and program oversight needed to convert funding into more student seats.

Committee discussion and details

Joshua Whitworth, introduced as executive director for the state board and interim administrator for CTE, told the committee “the…