Jeff Simmons — Jeff Simmons is introduced and then introduces himself as the Superintendent of Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), describing IDLA as the state virtual program as he begins his presentation.
Anthony Butler — Anthony Butler is introduced as Superintendent, identified as being from Cambridge, and invited to join the presentation.
Anthony Butler — Anthony Butler of the Cambridge School District begins his testimony describing Cambridge's historical use of IDLA.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking asks whether the part-time teachers are certified and whether they receive health coverage, thanking Superintendent Simmons for the presentation. Mr. Simmons responds that they are part-time employees and confirms they do not receive health coverage, noting the cost-saving aspect.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking raised concerns about proposed budget cuts to IDLA, asking whether the program could still maintain rigorous offerings and continue serving students effectively if funding is reduced.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Commented that credit recovery is beneficial for kids in both urban and rural schools.
James Woodward — His comments about IDLA's overall passing rate are referenced as support for the speaker's point about improved accountability.
James Woodward — Cited for noting that most students take IDLA classes one or two periods.
James Woodward — Asked whether he had another part of his discussion or whether the committee was ready for questions.
James Woodward — Referenced as superintendent in the exchange, though the transcript is garbled.
James Woodward — Asked whether students receive graduation credit for taking those classes; response was that it depends on local board policy.
James Woodward — Responded to the question about cost savings and course fees.
James Woodward — Explained that course fees were reduced and waived for dual credit students to avoid financial barriers.
James Woodward — Said the program saved families about $3.6 million in college tuition and then answered a question comparing costs to private providers.
Cindy Carlson — Senator Carlson opened the exchange by asking whether the committee was ready for questions, then asked specifically whether Cambridge students have online course options other than IDLA. The discussion continued with related remarks about current district practice and a reference to BYU-Idaho/high school student connections, keeping the focus on student online learning options and local school arrangements.
Cindy Carlson — Mentioned as the next senator to be recognized after Senator Cook.
Cindy Carlson — Asked questions about IDLA's name change and statutory naming.
Cindy Carlson — Asked whether the code needs to be changed to reflect the Alliance name.
Cindy Carlson — Continued questioning about the Alliance name and statutory language.
Cindy Carlson — Asked how IDLA fits statutory language and whether it must comply with bills such as the DEI bill.
Cindy Carlson — Asked how rural schools would be kept whole if the $10 million reduction occurs.
Cindy Carlson — Was invited to lead the discussion of Senate Bill 1234.
Cindy Carlson — Introduced herself and presented Senate Bill 1234, a name-change bill.
Cindy Carlson — Explained the purpose of Senate Bill 1234 and introduced President Pemberton.
Cindy Carlson — Thanked for the opportunity to testify.
Cindy Carlson — Referenced as having indicated that the name change would help serve the community.
Cindy Carlson — Invited to close the presentation.
Cindy Carlson — Said her biggest concern was cost and that intent language was added to address it.
Dave Lent — Addressed by Senator Carlson while asking the question.
Mr. Butler — Explained that a few students have taken classes directly through colleges when IDLA did not offer them, but generally IDLA is the main option.
Carrie Semmelroth — Senator Semmelroth questioned Superintendent Simmons about cost savings for families, first referencing the reduction of course fees from $75 to $40 for the fiscal year and then asking what other cost-saving efforts have been made.
Carrie Semmelroth — Senator Semmelroth asked about pre-service teaching, including teacher training programs and how student teachers are placed, prompting a direct response from the superintendent.
Tammy Nichols — Was addressed during a question sequence about external purchased courses and board policy.
Tammy Nichols — Asked about external purchased courses meeting state standards and then began a question about virtual student performance and teacher effectiveness.
Tammy Nichols — Asked how student performance and teacher effectiveness are evaluated in a virtual environment.
Tammy Nichols — Asked whether the program uses the career ladder for teacher pay.
Tammy Nichols — Asked about career ladder funding for teacher pay.
Tammy Nichols — Referenced as prompting the question about teacher evaluation and pay.
Tammy Nichols — The chair thanked the presenter and then invited Senator Carlson to the podium for the next bill discussion.
Christy Zito — Senator Zito raised concerns about the use of AI in education, asking how the program ensures teachers are not using AI to generate lessons or tests and how student use of AI is prevented. The superintendent responded by agreeing with the concern and explaining the district’s approach to ethical AI use, human connection in education, and plagiarism/AI policies.
Kevin Cook — Kevin Cook is referenced in the ongoing AI/ChatGPT discussion: first jokingly as someone who will keep pressing the speaker about ChatGPT, and then as someone who has been involved in the issue and is invited to comment.
President Pemberton — Invited to present a PowerPoint on the proposed name change.
Dr. Cynthia Pemberton — Introduced herself as president of Lewis-Clark State College and began testimony on the name change.
Dr. Jeff Ober — Identified as being present with Dr. Pemberton.
Dan Johnson, Mayor of Lewiston — A quote from Lewiston Mayor Dan Johnson was introduced and then delivered in full, stating that Lewis-Clark State University plays a critical role in shaping the city’s future. He said a name change would not alter the institution’s mission, vision, or values, would align with Lewiston’s growth and prosperity, and that he fully supports the change to Lewis Clark University.