Craig Miller — Identified as the person who will present on Meridian Technical Charter High School.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Chairman Lent in thanks for the invitation to present.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman during the question period.
Finnegan Heffley — Finnegan Heffley, a junior at MTCHS, introduces himself and describes his experience in the school’s computer science/software development pathway. He explains that he has learned multiple programming languages and earned certifications in several of them, while also taking dual credit and career-preparation classes such as employment preparation, college algebra, government and politics, and business. He says these courses help him build websites, create projects, prepare resumes, and get ready for a senior-year internship. He also mentions building a portfolio and personal website for an upcoming internship fair, and says he is considering college options such as Boise State or CWI while valuing the opportunities MTCHS has provided.
Elias Warren — Elias Warren presents his senior internship experience at MTCHS, explaining how students find internships through the internship fair and how he landed at Studio Blue. He describes hands-on work there, including CAD training, 3D printer maintenance, wiring assembly, and a phone case project, while noting that some projects are under NDA. He reflects on the skills he has gained through school and the internship, especially CAD, fabrication, and customer service, and says the experience has given him a clearer sense of his career path and a strong head start through real-world experience. He also shares that the internship expanded his networking opportunities through conferences like the IMA Trade Show. He concludes by thanking the audience and inviting questions.
Nicole Prosser — Introduced as National SkillsUSA Treasurer and Student Body President who will speak next.
Nicole Prosser — Nicole Prosser testified about how student leadership opportunities at MTCHS—through National Honor Society, student government, and SkillsUSA—shaped her experience and prepared her for future success. She described being pulled into student government as a freshman, earning leadership roles in multiple organizations, and participating in activities such as running prom, serving at NHS events, advocating for SkillsUSA at the Capitol, attending national conferences, and meeting with legislators and industry partners. She also shared that these leadership experiences helped her secure an internship and develop employability skills beyond her technical coursework, concluding that while classes teach technical skills, student organizations teach the leadership and professional skills students need.
Studio Blue — Described as a client-based engineering workplace providing real-world mechanical engineering experience.
Kevin Cook — Identified as having a question about whether internships are in the students' field of study.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Nichols is identified as having a question following the internship discussion, and the speaker responds directly to her, saying they hope the explanation answers her question.
Stoney Winston — Stoney Winston is identified and invited by the chair to come forward and testify before the committee.
Christy Zito — Senator Zito announces she will vote no on the memorial and explains her opposition. She argues that the federal government has failed to meet its funding obligations for decades, says she cannot in good conscience support the measure, and expresses concern about the burden of federal and state taxes and mandates on families. She references her special needs grandchildren to underscore her desire for a better future with less financial strain on future generations.
Jason Sevy — Jason Sevy introduces himself and identifies his roles as chair of the Marsing School Board and president of the Idaho School Board Association.
Jason Sevy — Speaks as board chair of Marsing School District and president of the Idaho School Board Association, emphasizing accountability and measurable outcomes.
Carrie Semmelroth — Called on by name as the senator with a question for Mr. Sevy.
Mr. Sevy — The witness is addressed and asked to discuss how policymakers can better help community schools and rural communities.
President Sevy — Responds that policymakers should remove barriers in funding.
Van Burtenshaw — He finishes his presentation and stands for questions.
Van Burtenshaw — The chair addresses Senator Burtenshaw and asks about the presentation schedule.
Van Burtenshaw — The committee moves on to RS 33-392, which is presented by Senator Burtenshaw.
Van Burtenshaw — Referenced as having talked about using resources together.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking comments that while federal help is needed, Idaho should also provide more support to districts, then moves to send H.J.M. 11 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. After testimony and questions, she is asked to restate the motion and does so, again moving House Joint Memorial 11 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw is first referenced as the senator being called on and invited to address the committee, then he introduces himself as Senator Burtenshaw from District 31 and begins presenting House Joint Memorial 11.