U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos approved Idaho’s plan to increase access to career-technical education programs in remote districts, the State Board of Education announced Friday.
Now that the feds have signed off, Idaho will receive almost $7.6 million in federal funds for the 2021 budget year that begins July 1.
“Idaho’s plan provides increased funds for rural and remote districts, reduces the number of waivers needed from districts and the ability for districts to utilize funds in expanding program offerings, among many others,” Idaho CTE Administrator Clay Long said in a written statement.
The state plan is tied to the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21 St Century Act, which President Trump signed into law in July 2018.
The State Board of Education already approved the proposal, called the Perkins V State Plan, on March 16. Gov. Brad Little then signed off on the plan.
DeVos announced she approved Idaho’s plan on Friday. To date, DeVos has approved Perkins plans from 25 states, according to the State Board of Education.
“Thanks to the president’s leadership. The new career and technical education law gives local leaders the flexibility to make investments in the highest impact areas of local need,” DeVos said in a written statement. “We know many well-paying, in-demand jobs require CTE training but not necessarily a college degree and the associated debt.”
Boise accepting school board application
The Boise School District began accepting applications for its school board election Monday morning.
The state’s second largest school district will conduct an election for two of its seven trustee seats on Sept. 1. The posts are currently held by Nancy Gregory and Dennis Doan. Winners will go on to serve a six-year term.
In order to apply, prospective trustees need to complete and return a declaration of candidacy signed by at least five registered voters residing within the district’s boundaries by 5 p.m., June 26.
Potential candidates must be at least 18 and a resident taxpayer within the district’s boundaries
Because it predates statehood, the district does not have to follow state election calendars, hence the Sept. 1 election.
Declarations of candidacy and more information about the school board election is available online and at the district office, 8169 W. Victory Road in Boise.
Coronavirus update
Through Saturday, the state was tracking 3,399 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases and 87 deaths.
Idaho has confirmed COVID-19 cases in 35 of the state’s 44 counties, according to its coronavirus website and local public health districts.
The state does not update the numbers on Sunday. A new update was expected at about 5 p.m. Monday. More information about Idaho’s coronavirus trends is available at Kevin Richert’s blog.
