Idaho measure sets school funding and reporting rules

The measure sets out additional funding and reductions for the Division of Student Support for the 2026–27 budget year. These budget amounts apply to the Public Schools Educational Support Program's Division of Student Support. The added amounts are $4,141,200 from the Public School Income Fund and $7,800,000 from federal grants. The listed reductions total $9,751,600 and apply to the Administrators, Operations, and Children's Programs divisions; the measure also reduces the General Fund transfer by that amount. The appropriations and reductions cover July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The measure reduces state payments for eligible student transportation costs by $7.5 million. The reduction applies to school districts and charter schools receiving state payments for eligible transportation costs. The State Department of Education must spread the reduction proportionately across all eligible schools. The reduction applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The measure requires schools offering online classes to report class and student information to state education officials. The reporting rule covers school districts and public charter schools that are not authorized as public virtual schools and that teach students through an online platform. The rule covers online classes other than those offered through the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. Schools offering online classes must register those programs as virtual buildings in the state's education data system and record students in those buildings. No start date or reporting deadline is specified in these sections.

The measure directs a one-time $2.25 million transfer for English learner funding. The transfer concerns money set aside for English language learner distributions. The State Department of Education transfers the money from the Central Services Division to the Children's Programs Division. The money must be distributed under the requirements referenced in Senate Bill 1362, if that bill is enacted. The transfer applies only from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The measure directs state reports on technology education and special education finances. The State Department of Education is responsible for the reports; technology projects may serve students and faculty, and the financial report covers Idaho local education agencies. Up to $1.57 million may be used for technology education services or certificates; the passage describing the required project components has conflicting wording in the supplied text. The special education report must use existing data where practicable and follow federal guidelines. The certificate report is due January 5, 2027, and the special education report is due December 15, 2026.