Lawmakers hear CTE budget overview and governor—s $10 million proposal to expand high-demand programs

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Feb. 10 heard a presentation on the Division of Career Technical Education—s (CTE) FY2026 base budget and funding requests, including a governor-recommended $10 million ongoing proposal to expand capacity in high-demand CTE programs.

Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, told the committee that CTE—s system spans 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. He outlined major funds that support CTE programs, including the Displaced Homemaker Fund (revenue from a $20 fee on divorces), the Hazardous Materials and Waste Enforcement Fund (fees from hazardous material trip and annual permits) and the Motorcycle Safety Fund (fees tied to driver's licenses and motorcycle registrations). Campbell said the division typically spends close to 100% of appropriations, with recent exceptions tied to federal funds reappropriated to later years.

Joshua Whitworth, executive director for the State Board of Education and interim administrator for the CTE division, told JFAC that demand for CTE programs has grown substantially at both the secondary and postsecondary levels. "We are seeing large demand across the entire career technical education ecosystem," Whitworth said. He said CTE currently uses multiple funds and has about 569 full-time positions (FTP), with the bulk of those positions concentrated in postsecondary instruction at Idaho's…