Jeff Simmons — Jeff Simmons is introduced as the Superintendent of the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance and then identifies himself as the Superintendent of IDLA as he begins his presentation.
Anthony Butler — Anthony Butler is introduced as a superintendent from Cambridge and invited to join the presentation.
Anthony Butler — Anthony Butler described how Cambridge has shifted to a paraprofessional-supported IDLA model that improved student outcomes and passing rates. He gave examples of students using IDLA to pursue dual credit and even work toward an associate's degree, including a freshman who wanted to earn an associate's before leaving Cambridge. Butler explained that IDLA helps the school fill out its master schedule, gives freshmen a shared introductory online-learning experience, and helps students make informed choices about future IDLA courses. He also shared a credit-recovery success story involving a student who entered high school with no credits and could only graduate because of additional IDLA coursework, illustrating how IDLA expands opportunities without requiring extra local staffing or funding.
Van Burtenshaw — The speaker transitions the presentation to Mr. Butler, identifying him as Anthony Butler, the superintendent of Cambridge, and then continues the exchange by addressing Superintendent Simmons.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking thanked Superintendent Simmons for the presentation and asked whether the part-time teachers were certified. She then followed up by asking if, because they were part-time, they were provided health coverage. The response confirmed they were part-time employees and continued the discussion of the part-time staffing model and its cost implications.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Janie Ward-Engelking raises concern about proposed substantial cuts to IDLA and asks how those reductions could affect rigorous programming; the discussion continues as her question is being addressed.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Offered a comment on behalf of urban schools, noting that credit recovery works for both urban and rural schools.
Mr. Simmons — Referenced as having shared that IDLA passing rates improved in general.
James Woodward — Referenced as having said that most students take IDLA classes for one or two periods.
James Woodward — Asked whether he had another part of his discussion before moving to questions.
James Woodward — Identified as the person being questioned about course fee reductions and family cost savings.
Cindy Carlson — Senator Carlson asked about online learning options for students, specifically whether Cambridge students have alternatives to IDLA and whether Idaho school districts still use BYU-Idaho courses.
Cindy Carlson — The chair indicated the discussion would return to Senator Carlson after Senator Cook's comment.
Cindy Carlson — Begins questioning Superintendent Simmons about IDLA's name and statutory language.
Cindy Carlson — The superintendent responds to Senator Carlson's question about the organization's name history.
Cindy Carlson — Asks whether the code needs to be changed to reflect the 'Alliance' name.
Cindy Carlson — Continues questioning and indicates she has additional questions.
Cindy Carlson — Asks how IDLA fits statutory language and whether it must comply with bills such as the DEI bill.
Cindy Carlson — The superintendent answers Senator Carlson's question about compliance with state laws and rules.
Cindy Carlson — States support for IDLA while raising concerns about possible double dipping.
Cindy Carlson — Continues expressing support for educational options while questioning budget cuts and rural course offerings.
Cindy Carlson — The superintendent responds to Senator Carlson's question about the proposed budget reduction and rural course offerings.
Cindy Carlson — Is invited to lead the discussion of Senate Bill 1234 in the next item.
Cindy Carlson — Introduced herself and presented Senate Bill 1234, describing it as a name change measure.
Cindy Carlson — Senator Carlson is referenced and then invited to close the presentation. In his remarks, he explains that his main concern was cost, notes that intent language was added to prevent salary increases or other unintended spending, and concludes by encouraging the committee to vote for the bill, emphasizing that it is only a name change.
Dave Lent — Addressed by Senator Carlson in the question.
Mr. Butler — Mr. Butler responded to Senator Carlson’s question about other online course options, explaining that while a few students have taken courses directly through colleges when IDLA did not offer them, IDLA remains the primary online option and there is not generally a broad alternative.
Superintendent — Said a student was looking at BYU-Idaho coursework this year and that such options depend on local board policy and college availability.
Superintendent — Was addressed as the superintendent in Cambridge.
Superintendent — Said a student was looking at BYU-Idaho coursework this year and that availability depends on local policy and college options.
Superintendent — Addressed in the follow-up question about private market comparisons.
Superintendent — Said he does not have private program prices, but noted private providers often advertise lower entry-level prices than Cambridge's cost per enrollment.
Superintendent — Explained the asynchronous model and curriculum alignment standards used in virtual instruction.
Superintendent — Says the program shares the concern about teachers using AI inappropriately.
Carrie Semmelroth — Senator Semmelroth asked Superintendent Simmons about additional cost-saving measures beyond the reduced course fee, then followed up by asking what other efforts had been made to support families and how Cambridge's savings compare with private market providers.
Carrie Semmelroth — Asks about pre-service teaching, student teachers, and teacher training partnerships.
Superintendent Simmons — Superintendent Simmons explained that the district reduced or waived course fees to keep advanced and dual credit opportunities affordable for students and to avoid passing costs on to families, emphasizing that these fees should not be a financial barrier for Cambridge students.
Tammy Nichols — She is addressed as the next questioner in the committee.
Tammy Nichols — Asked how virtual student performance and teacher effectiveness are evaluated.
Tammy Nichols — Her question about virtual student performance and teacher effectiveness is being answered.
Tammy Nichols — Her question about career ladder funding is answered.
Tammy Nichols — Her earlier questions prompted the follow-up on pre-service teaching.
Tammy Nichols — A senator is addressed as 'our star today' in the transition to the next agenda item; the transcript does not clearly identify the speaker by name in this section.
Superintendent Simmons or Butler — The question is directed to either Superintendent Simmons or Butler regarding virtual instruction and evaluation.
Christy Zito — Christy Zito raises concerns about an AI-in-education bill, saying she did not support it on the floor and questioning whether teachers—especially remote teachers—might rely on AI to do their work. The discussion continues with the superintendent responding to related concerns about how AI should be used in schools, including preventing student misuse of AI and plagiarism.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook is referenced in a lighthearted way as someone who keeps encouraging the speaker to use ChatGPT, and then is invited to comment because he has been actively involved in the AI discussion.
Dr. Cynthia Pemberton — Introduced herself as president of Lewis-Clark State College and began presenting on the name change proposal.
Dr. Jeff Ober — Identified as being present with Dr. Pemberton.
Dan Johnson, Mayor of Lewiston — Mayor Dan Johnson of Lewiston is cited in support of the name change, with remarks that it would not change the organization’s mission, vision, or values and would better align it with Lewiston’s growth, future development, and prosperity.