This bill allocates $1,368,700 in state funding to Idaho's four community colleges for fiscal year 2027, with specific amounts designated for personnel and operating expenses at each institution. The legislation also reduces the total appropriation by $245,500 from the previous year's funding levels across the same colleges. The funds are distributed through the State Board of Education's General Fund and become effective on July 1, 2026.
This bill allocates state funding for Idaho's education system for fiscal year 2027, directing money to the State Board of Education, public universities, community colleges, and related agencies. It establishes specific dollar amounts for personnel, operating expenses, and capital outlays for institutions including Boise State, Idaho State, Lewis-Clark State, University of Idaho, and four community colleges. The legislation also sets limits on the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions for certain programs and provides flexibility to transfer funds between expense categories for higher education and health education programs. Additionally, it adjusts student tuition and fees for the upcoming fiscal year and designates funds for standards review, data sharing, and accountability reporting.
This bill requires public schools in Idaho to provide daily outdoor recess for students in kindergarten through grade 5, with each session lasting at least 20 minutes when weather and scheduling allow. The legislation also encourages schools to offer unstructured activity breaks for middle school students in grades 6 through 8. If outdoor recess is not possible due to weather, schools must provide indoor alternatives such as in a gymnasium. The bill prohibits withholding recess as punishment unless the disciplinary issue occurred during the recess period itself.
