STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27860 / H0576
Over the last eight years the Idaho Legislature has appropriated nearly $200 million in technology funding to
help local school districts and charter schools buy computers, wireless technology and network infrastructure.
That technology is changing the way education is delivered in Idaho schools.
The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee took the next step in that transformation by dedicating a part
of the "Content and Curriculum" line item for distribution to local districts for digital resources. However, it is
distributed based on a formula, which means that most Idaho districts receive less than $5,000. That's simply
not enough to purchase and implement learning tools for modern classrooms.
This bill changes that line item to create a source of funding for schools to use to purchase high-quality digital
curriculum. Districts and charter schools request the money based on what they need, and the State Department
of Education distributes the money based on district requests. The money is available on a first-come,
first-served basis and open to all districts and charter schools. The maximum amount is $50,000 per request.
School districts and charter schools seeking the funding will use it to meet measurable targets. Renewals of
funding for subsequent years will be contingent on meeting interim targets and progress on overall goals for
the programs being implemented.
Districts or charter schools can collaborate to jointly request funding.
FISCAL NOTE
This bill does not require new funding because it uses funding from an existing line item in the Public Schools
Budget. For the 2020 Fiscal Year the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee allocated $1.6 million of
that line item. This bill does not require that line item to be increased and clearly states that moneys in the fund
are subject to appropriation. But the bill does change the distribution process.
Contact:
Representative Jerald Raymond
(208) 332-1000
Representative Ron Mendive
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 03/02/2020, 9:13 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-4802, 33-4804