School Funding

Feds approve Idaho’s flexibility waiver for school funds

State superintendent Debbie Critchfield said the changes should reduce administrative requirements and allow districts and charters to direct funding where it’s most needed.

Idaho Falls listening session echoes calls for enrollment-based funding

Several speakers providing input to state leaders said Idaho’s current attendance‑based model forces districts to predict the future, making budgets uncertain because core costs stay fixed, even when daily attendance drops.

Boise trustees approve contract, salary for incoming superintendent

Wendy Johnson will earn 0.5% more than her predecessor, an annual increase tied to teacher raises in the district.

State officials gather feedback on ‘outdated’ school funding formula

In the first of four statewide listening sessions, parents, administrators and trustees recommended changes to how Idaho distributes money to public schools.

Critchfield launches statewide talks on school funding overhaul

The complex formula hasn’t had a meaningful update since the 1990s, and state policymakers have debated changes for more than a decade, with little progress.

Idaho schools reduce staff amid rising costs, enrollment declines

Local budgets are tightening, even though K-12 was mostly spared from state cuts this year.

Idaho schools brace for difficult budget season

INSIDE: Find school board hearing dates for districts and charters that have posted them on their websites.

Bonds fail, plant facilities struggle; most supplemental levies pass

Requests range from a $57 million bond in Kimberly to build a performing arts center to a $200,000 supplemental levy in Mackay to pay for athletics and building utilities over two years.