JFAC hears CTE budget requests as schools report wait lists for welding, nursing

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Feb. 10 heard an overview of the Division of Career Technical Education(CTE) budget and FY2026 requests, including a governor-recommended $10 million ongoing package intended to expand capacity in high-demand programs such as welding and nursing.

CTE budget and program overview Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, told JFAC that CTE is a statewide system spanning secondary schools, six technical colleges, adult education programs and workforce training centers. "CTE plays a central role in Idaho's ongoing workforce development efforts," Campbell said during his presentation. He outlined multiple funds CTE uses, including the Displaced Homemaker Fund (revenue from a divorce fee used for career training), the Hazardous Materials and Waste Enforcement Fund (permit fees that support firefighter hazmat training), and the Motorcycle Safety Fund (driver and registration fees that support motorcycle safety training).

Why the request and how the money would be used Joshua Whitworth, the executive director for the State Board of Education and interim administrator for the CTE division, told committee members that demand for CTE programs has grown sharply and that both facilities and qualified instructors are limiting factors. "We are seeing large demand across the entire career…