I got a great education in the Public School system in Idaho. I was well prepared academically to be successful in a four-year institution. You may note, I did not say I was good to go emotionally or from a common sense perspective. I learned most of those missing skills over the next 50 years of real life. My children attended public schools in Idaho, and both were very well educated and prepared to go on to college. So many excellent teachers, coaches, and administrators to thank. The grandchildren are also enjoying the benefits of an Idaho public school education. So far, so good for them, with memorable teachers, passionately guiding children to the next levels.
Idaho education outcomes are amazing-often education funding levels are positively correlated with academic outcomes. Idaho students can’t possibly be competitive on a national basis as we are ranked by the Education Law Center’s 2023 report as last in the nation. The study shows Idaho funding is $5,595 per pupil below the national average. The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy found that the state’s general fund support for public schools is lower in 2022 than in 2002. Idaho also has the distinction of ranking last in the nation in terms of school infrastructure spending per pupil. Test scores for Idaho according to the National Assessment of Education Progress show Idaho above national averages in 8th grade math and reading but lots of room for improvement. Fortunately, it is not always about the money.
Kudos to Governor Little, his State of the State address continued top priority for Education. An Idaho teacher compensation ladder has moved Idaho’s educators up to close to the national average. The Governor is finally calling for honoring our Constitutional imperative to fund school infrastructure, with a $2 billion investment called for over the next 10 years. The estimate is that the system requires nearly $1 billion now. The Launch Program has had over 13,000 applicants, it is intended to encourage and financially support students to go on with the education beyond high school. The workforce of the future needs advanced degrees to support the demands of Idaho’s employers. Progress has been made and could accelerate with these investments.
So why would Idaho want to consider Vouchers. It seems to me it is about an agenda I cannot understand. These voucher folks are funded primarily by out of state groups who want public schools to be eliminated. I assume public schools are too “woke” for their liking. The Idaho Center for Fiscal policy is a “non-partisan, non-governmental organization dedicated to proving the public and state leaders with well researched and analyzed information on Idaho tax and budget policy and to advocate for wise state investments for future generations.” I have attached a link to their recent report “The Dangers of Private School Vouchers for Idaho Students, Schools, and Communities.” Read the full article here
The Voucher program that was narrowly defeated in Idaho last session would have diverted taxpayer funds to private education. The Idaho Center estimated annual cost at $360 million. The point being, let’s fund our performing school system adequately as they invest in “evidenced based strategies to improve student outcomes.” Please take a minute to look at the facts and then contact your representatives.
It was a full cathedral this week as friends and family celebrated the life of Dale Higer. Dale had a very successful legal career including earning his JD from Harvard Law. Every banker in Idaho knew Dale as the most knowledgeable and credible Uniform Commercial Code expert in the country. What stood out to me was his passion for his wonderful family and his many friends. Dale earned the respect and love of everyone he met.
The picture is a private school musical program, led by our great teachers and brought to life by our students. Enjoy the snow. Mike