Dave Lent — Identified himself as District 33 and spoke in support of the discussion.
Dave Lent — Dave Lent is engaged throughout the committee’s final handling of Senate Bill 1339: he is addressed directly, asks whether there are any questions before testimony closes, participates in the motion discussion, and then calls the vote, announcing that the motion to send the bill to the floor with a due pass is carried.
Guy Wingsguard — Guy Wingsguard is introduced as the first witness from Ammon and then formally begins his testimony, identifying himself as the Chief Financial and Operations Officer for Bonneville School District 93 and testifying in support of Senate Bill 1288.
Melissa Vian — Melissa Vian, Education Director at Idaho Parents Unlimited, introduces herself and then testifies in support of Senate Bill 1288 by describing the challenges faced by families of children with disabilities in Idaho. She gives examples of a rural student with a traumatic brain injury and explains how multiple high-need students in small districts can overwhelm local resources, emphasizing that families are seeking the protections already guaranteed under federal law.
Julie Whitman — Julie Whitman is introduced and then testifies as a parent of a child with high needs autism and a board-certified behavior analyst serving rural North Idaho school districts. She describes the intensive supports some students require, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech services, intensive behavioral intervention, and full-time staffing, sometimes with two aides. She closes with a success story about a student independently eating an entire meal for the first time, underscoring both the human impact of these services and the financial burden on districts.
Ms. Whitman — Ms. Whitman explains that the student is learning and making progress at a level appropriate to his disability, and she gives examples of his goals and skills, including independent eating, social interaction, matching colors, and sorting, noting that these achievements have positively affected his family.
Jennifer Johnson — Jennifer Johnson, a Boise resident, small business owner, and parent of twin boys who received special education services, testified in support of Senate Bill 1288. She explained that her business was created in response to the needs she saw for children with disabilities and provides access to specialized equipment while welcoming children of all abilities. She also described her son's need for a one-on-one behavior interventionist in the Boise School District and noted that he is now thriving as a high school junior. She concluded by urging lawmakers to vote yes on the bill to help districts better support vulnerable children with high-cost special education needs.
Paula Mason — Paula Mason, interim administrator for Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind, testified about the high costs of providing required services and equipment for students with disabilities. She gave examples such as braille technology, embossing equipment, and a screen-reader laptop for a blind student, along with ongoing support costs like orientation and mobility services, a full-time para, and a teacher of the visually impaired who must travel to provide support. She emphasized that these expenses are federally mandated compliance and access requirements under a free appropriate public education, not enhancements, and clarified that orientation and mobility services cost about $70 to $100 per hour.
Kevin Cook — Asked a question about whether the bill would be a continuous program despite one-time funding in the fiscal note.
Kevin Cook — Was addressed as the chair during the question period.
Kevin Cook — Answered that the program would continue and said the funding could be covered through other parts of the department's funding.
Kevin Cook — Addressed by the speaker in confirming the funding source.
Kevin Cook — Referenced as having made the point that the discussion is about high-needs students rather than standard special-needs cases.
Kevin Cook — Referenced as part of the prior discussion being tied into the comment.
Christy Zito — Senator Blaylock explained that the bill relies on one-time funding, intended only for this year’s reimbursements, and that the legislature would need to reappropriate funds next year if continued funding is needed.
Christy Zito — Made a comment that the issue is difficult and that obligations exist despite federal pressure.
Cindy Carlson — Argues the Department of Education used its money wisely and did what was asked.
Cindy Carlson — Introduced as the next speaker; likely a transcription error for a legislator's name.
Speaker's son — Speaker references a 35-year-old son diagnosed with autism at age 2.
Dr. Victoria Young — Dr. Victoria Young introduced herself as being from District 11 in Caldwell and noted her background as an education researcher and veterinarian. She explained that her district already has a strategic plan and continuing improvement plans in place, and argued that the main concern is not paperwork but the time and financial burden on districts, which vary in their circumstances. She added that she had many unanswered questions, tried to get clarification through phone calls, was told to speak with the sponsor, and questioned whether legislators had time to address the issue, emphasizing that there is no funding attached to the requirement.
Carla La Orange — Introduced as the next witness, likely the next testifier.
Carlisle Orange — Carlisle Orange, superintendent of Idaho Falls School District, explained that the district has completed a new strategic plan with a mission, vision, pillars, and goals. He said the plan is intended to ensure transportation and other district operations support student learning, and to provide clarity and alignment for the school board, community, and staff. He concluded by urging support for the bill, saying it would help communities and district leadership and encourage innovation.
James Woodward — The speaker references others as examples in the debate, first recalling former Representative Darrell Bowles in the context of past similar memorials, then comparing the current discussion to Representative Marman’s similar point and concluding by saying they will vote to move the bill forward.
James Woodward — Referred to as 'the good representative' who made the point about pushing back on requirements.
James Woodward — The speaker refers to 'the good senator' who cares deeply about the issue; the exact identity is unclear from the transcript.
Dave Lent — The chair is addressed as the meeting moves into the question-and-answer portion, with a brief acknowledgment and thanks directed to Mr. Chairman.
Van Burtenshaw — Presented Senate Bill 1288 and explained the constitutional basis for funding schools.
James Woodward — Representative Hostettler is addressed in the discussion and asks about the growth rate of high-need students; the transcript appears to mishear or misspell his name in both mentions.
James Woodward — Representative Hostetler asks Julie Whitman whether the services being discussed for the young boy involve actual learning or are more like health care services provided at school, seeking clarification on whether the program is educational or medical in nature.