Idaho Plans Bridge Funding for Special Education
State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield plans to use two existing funding sources to support a temporary special education “bridge” program. She shared this plan in an email to educators shortly after addressing the State Board of Education. In that meeting, she confirmed she is stepping back from a proposed $50 million special education grant request.
Budget Pressures Shape New Approach
Critchfield cited expected state budget shortfalls in the 2025–26 and 2026–27 fiscal years. Because of these constraints, she said her top priority is protecting current K-12 funding. As a result, the department is pausing new large-scale funding proposals.
Redirecting Existing Funds
With the $50 million proposal on hold, Critchfield is seeking alternative solutions. She wants to use funds from a driver’s education account and interest earned from the Idaho Career Ready Student Grant Program. These funds would support a high-needs student account designed to help districts and charter schools serve special education students who require full-time staff support.
Revisiting a High-Needs Student Program
The Legislature narrowly rejected a $3 million high-needs program earlier this year. Critchfield now hopes to revive this concept as a temporary measure. She described the approach as a bridge until state revenues can support a long-term solution.
Support for Regional Service Centers
Critchfield also wants to apply the funding shift to regional special education service centers. She explained that this model, used in other states, allows districts and charters to pool resources. The goal is to improve efficiency and strengthen staffing support across regions.
