K-12 budget request emphasizes smart spending, special ed support

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the annual K-12 public schools budget and the Idaho Department of Education’s budget Wednesday, including highlights from Idaho Superintendent Debbie Critchfield.

The 2027 budget request focuses on protecting existing K-12 funding while proposing solutions to expand support for special education in Idaho without requesting additional funding.

In a news release, Critchfield said she appreciated the opportunity to walk legislators through recommendations and provide context for when they make those important budget decisions.

“Today’s conversation allowed us to answer questions, explain our priorities and share how these investments support Idaho’s students, educators and communities," she said.

The K-12 budget represents the majority of state funding for public education and is one of Idaho’s largest allocations of public dollars. This year’s request would increase flexibility and efficiency in how local education agencies can use existing funds. It includes statutory adjustments and required health insurance expenses.

The proposal also addresses Idaho’s growing demand for education services. An earlier version of the request asked the Legislature to approve $50 million in special education block grants but was revised as Idaho’s fiscal outlook became clearer.

The current budget request identifies two existing funding sources that can be redirected to support students without drawing from the state’s general fund. Remaining dollars in the Driver Training Account and interest earnings from the Idaho Career Ready Students fund would be redirected to areas of greater need.