Education (School Funding)

This bill adjusts funding for Idaho's Division of Student Support for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, allocating $11.9 million from specific funds while reducing overall appropriations by nearly $10 million. The legislation lowers per-student funding for fully virtual schools, cuts $7.5 million in transportation reimbursements, and requires schools offering online classes to report enrollment and attendance data. It also modifies how English learner funds are distributed, establishes new requirements for technology education programs, and mandates a report on special education spending.

H 622 reduces the state funding for Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) from $445 to $427 per eligible student enrollment. It specifies that only full-time students in grades 6-12 enrolled in non-virtual school districts (excluding those in cities over 50,000 population) and not taking driver's education or custom sections qualify for funding. The bill requires the state to distribute 80% of estimated funding by July 31 and the remaining balance by May 15, with adjustments based on verified enrollments. The per-enrollment amount may be adjusted annually to match approved school staff salary increases.