JFAC adds $1.68 million to community colleges for enrollment adjustments, directs outcome-based model development

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 7 approved an additional $1,679,800 ongoing from the general fund to cover enrollment workload adjustments (EWA) for Idaho’s community colleges and adopted language directing the State Board of Education to develop an outcome-based funding model.

Representative Petzke moved the EWA funding package to add $496,800 ongoing for the College of Eastern Idaho, $690,000 ongoing for the College of Southern Idaho and $493,000 ongoing for the College of Western Idaho, totaling $1,679,800. Representative Ward Engleking seconded the motion. The committee recorded a roll-call vote with a combined total of 19 aye, 1 nay, 0 absent; the motion passed and will be sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.

Committee discussion and rationale: The motion’s sponsor and other members said the EWA adjustment was previously capped at a 3% limit but the committee chose to give colleges the “full benefit that they earned” for their enrollment workload adjustments. Members also noted a desire to “hold North Idaho College harmless,” citing that the college’s backward-looking EWA did not reflect recent enrollment gains and accreditation progress.

Outcome-based funding language: Committee staff presented accompanying language that "directs the office of the state board of education to develop an outcome based funding model." The State Board was directed to return to JFAC with a proposal by Dec. 31, 2025, and a plan to implement the model by fiscal year 2028. Representative Petzke requested unanimous consent to accept the language and, with no objection, it was ordered onto the record.

Ending: The committee approved the EWA funding and adopted the directive on timeline and return to JFAC; staff said the Office of the State Board of Education will engage with the committee on model development.