Idaho Bills

Relates to the appropriation to the Public Schools Educational Support Program's Division of Children's Programs for fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2021.

This is the FY 2022 original appropriation and the FY 2021 supplemental appropriation bill for the Public Schools Educational Support Program's Division of Children's Programs. This division includes programs that provide direct educational or material benefits to children, where funding does not primarily go to paying certificated teachers and administrators. It also includes programs that primarily and specifically provide funding for the separate instruction of identified subgroups of children outside the normal classroom of an Idaho public school. Funding is provided from both state and federal funds. For FY 2022: statutory-based adjustments include an additional $9.7 million for advanced opportunities; $1.96 million for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy; $655,000 for border contracts; and $371,500 for exceptional contracts and tuition equivalents. The bill also shifts certain costs from state funds to federal COVID-19 relief funds for one year and the bill provides federal COVID-19 relief funds for public school districts and public charter schools to address costs associated with the pandemic. Finally, the bill provides a net-total of $20 million for public school districts and public charter schools to address learning loss as a result of the pandemic; these funds are to be distributed by the Department of Education. Uses are outlined in the bill and are at the discretion of the school districts and public charter schools.

Relates to the appropriation to the Public Schools Educational Support Program's Division of Children's Programs for fiscal year 2022.

This an FY 2022 appropriation bill for the Public School Support Program's Division of Children's Programs to provide funding for homeless children and youth in Idaho's schools. This funding is the result of the American Rescue Plan Act and part of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER). The purpose of these funds is to address the immediate needs of children and youth identified as homeless, including academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs during the pandemic. These are one time funds and are being provided in addition to the normal funding Idaho receives for this program. Funds may be used to pay for short-term temporary housing; purchasing need supplies such as PPE, eyeglasses, personal care items, and school supplies; wraparound services including after-school programs and tutoring; technology and Wi-Fi; and other allowable uses.

Relates to the appropriation to the Public Schools Educational Support Program's Division of Children's Programs for fiscal year 2022.

This bill provides funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Idaho's school districts and public charter schools for FY 2022. This includes onetime funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER 3) and onetime funding for existing special education programs as part of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). The bill also amends Section 33-907, Idaho Code, and restricts the withdrawal of any moneys from the Public Education Stabilization Fund (PESF) for any moneys appropriated for FY 2022 only. Finally the bill includes a section that acknowledges the actions in this bill are onetime in nature and for onetime purposes.