Christy Zito — Senator Zito states that she will vote no and explains her opposition to the measure. She says she cannot support it in good conscience, citing broader concerns about federal spending, mandates, and the repeated failure of the federal government to adequately fund required programs and grants. She closes by expressing concern for the future and the burden on families, including those supporting special needs children, and her no vote is then recorded.
Jason Sevy — Jason Sevy introduces himself as chair of the Marsing School Board and president of the Idaho School Board Association. He notes the diversity of Idaho school districts, explains that he did not originally plan to serve on a school board, and shares how he came to join the board in 2017. He concludes by describing how the Idaho School Board Association helped him navigate the early months of service.
Craig Miller — Identified as the next presenter who will speak about Meridian Technical Charter High School.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Chairman Lent and thanked for inviting the presenters.
Dave Lent — The speaker addresses Chairman Lynn and responds to his question about scaling.
Dr. Bob Haley — Identified as the superintendent at the time who supported the charter school model.
Finnegan Heffley — Finnegan Heffley, a junior at MTCHS, introduced himself and described his pathway in computer science/software development. He explained that his coursework includes employment preparation, college algebra, dual-credit government and politics, and a business class, and that he has learned six programming languages and earned certifications in HTML, CSS, Java, and JavaScript. He also said his dual-credit computer science classes are helping prepare him for internships through portfolio and website development, and he noted possible future plans to attend Boise State or CWI.
Elias Warren — Elias Warren, a senior student, presents his internship experience at Studio Blue. He explains how his resume and project portfolio helped him land the internship through the school’s process, and describes Studio Blue as a client-based engineering company that gave him real-world mechanical engineering experience. He discusses hands-on work such as CAD training, maintaining and wiring a large 3D printer, and contributing to a phone case project, while noting NDA restrictions on what he can share. He also highlights the CAD, fabrication, and customer service skills he gained through both school and internship work, and says the experience gave him greater confidence, a clearer sense of his career path, and networking opportunities such as attending the IMA Trade Show.
Nicole Prosser — Introduced as National SkillsUSA Treasurer and Student Body President who will speak next.
Nicole Prosser — Nicole Prosser introduced herself as a senior in software development at MTCHS and described how the school encourages leadership through student-led organizations such as National Honor Society, student government, and SkillsUSA. She explained that she began student leadership as a freshman after her brother brought her to a student government meeting, and over time she was elected to multiple roles, including SkillsUSA chapter secretary, student government historian and sophomore representative, NHS member and vice president, and student body president. She recounted participating in activities like running prom, supporting students during finals, advocating for SkillsUSA at the Capitol, attending the National Leadership and Skills Conference, and traveling to Washington, D.C. to speak with legislators about career and technical education. She concluded that these organizations helped her build confidence, communication, responsibility, and other employability skills, which also helped her secure an internship and made her experience at MTCHS invaluable.
Unidentified student speaker — The student explained that AI is used in school as a tool rather than something that does the work for students, giving examples from English class where AI was used to find sources and help with outlining. They also said AI is encouraged only when teachers assign it, and noted that AI is similarly important at Studio Blue, where they are trying to integrate it with a robotic arm.
Unidentified student speaker — The student explains that they originally did not plan to study software development, starting in video production before discovering an interest in coding and moving into software development, where they now have an internship in an engineering lab focused on automation and software development. They also share that their father enrolled them at MTCHS, that they struggled academically in middle school, and that the school has pushed and supported them in a way that has helped shape their path.
Kevin Cook — Asked whether internships are in the same field as students' studies.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Nichols asked a question to the three student speakers, and the speakers responded in a way that indicated they hoped their answer addressed her question.
Mr. Miller — A committee member addresses Mr. Miller about scaling the program to smaller districts.
Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw is referenced twice in quick succession in connection with his remarks about using resources together. The speaker notes that this kind of resource-sharing already happens with them, reinforcing the same point without introducing a new topic.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking comments that while federal help is needed, Idaho should also do more to support districts, then moves that H.J.M. 11 be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. After testimony, the chair asks her to restate the motion, and she repeats that House Joint Memorial 11 be sent to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
Stoney Winston — The chair identifies Stoney Winston as the witness and asks him to come forward and testify.
Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw is identified as the senator making the motion to approve the minutes and is then called on to address the committee. He then introduces himself as Senator Burton Shaw from District 31 and explains the agenda change.
Van Burtenshaw — Senator Burtenshaw concludes his earlier presentation and offers to answer questions. The chair acknowledges him, then the committee moves directly to RS 33-392, which Senator Burtenshaw introduces as legislation that builds on the prior joint memorial by creating a framework for shared services.