Christy Zito — Answered that no code or administrative rule had been broken, based on her knowledge.
Christy Zito — Said no code or administrative rule was broken and asked whether the committee was starting over.
Christy Zito — Said she would not support the motion and emphasized the importance of digital learning and IDLA for rural students.
Christy Zito — Questions whether any law or rule was broken to trigger the controversy and asks who would be hurt by cuts from the bill and JFAC.
Christy Zito — Argues that cuts should not be so severe that they kill a program, even if structural cuts are needed.
Christy Zito — Identified as one of the members opposed to the motion for the record vote.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook asks whether there is an off-ramp under 33-1020B that would allow a school to pay for IDLA even if the school is brick-and-mortar or fully virtual, and then confirms his understanding that the provision allows a student to attend IDLA as long as the school pays for it.
Kevin Cook — Senator Kevin Cook questions Dr. Simmons about his position on House Bill 940, asking whether he supports the bill as written and whether he opposes the amendment. Cook continues pressing for clarity on the witness’s stance, then asks what the combined effect would be of the JFAC cut and HB 940. The exchange remains focused on the bill, the amendment, and their practical impact.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook is briefly addressed/corrected, then recognized to make the motion on House Bill 940, moving that it be sent to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Nichols questions the fiscal note, focusing on how the reported $13,385,455 amount and related reduction were calculated.
Tammy Nichols — Tammy Nichols questions the bill’s fee structure for required and elective/non-graduation courses, asking whether the fees were already being paid, what courses are covered, how current elective course fees are determined, whether any caps currently exist, and whether removing those caps would give the board more flexibility.
Tammy Nichols — Asks how the bill addresses the 'double dipping' concern flagged by LSO.
Tammy Nichols — Asks how the bill helps address the double-dipping concern.
Tammy Nichols — Expresses concern about codifying fee amounts because districts differ and future conditions are uncertain.
Tammy Nichols — The witness acknowledges Nichols's concern about codifying amounts.
Tammy Nichols — Said she would support the motion but reserve the right to change her vote on the floor.
Andy Grover — Andy Grover is introduced as the first in-person witness and then immediately begins his testimony, identifying himself as the executive director of the Idaho Association of School Administrators and opening his remarks opposing the Senate amendments.
Scott Muir — Listed as a witness who will testify by video.
Scott Muir — Scott Muir is introduced as the next witness from Soda Springs, and the chair notes that he appears to be the superintendent there, was opposed to the measure, and has not responded.
Craig Woods — Listed as a witness who will testify in person.
Craig Woods — Craig Woods, superintendent of the Emmett School District, testifies in opposition to the Senate amendments to House Bill 940. After introducing himself, he continues his remarks with discussion related to school course fees, indicating he is speaking about the practical impacts of the bill on his district.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Chairman Lent.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Chairman Lent.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Chairman Lent.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
Dave Lent — Chairman Lent is addressed during the question period.
Dave Lent — Chairman Lent is addressed in the exchange.
Dave Lent — Chairman Lent is addressed in the exchange.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking asks Director Grover for examples of classes mandated by the Legislature without funding, then follows up by asking where dual credit courses fit within the fee structure and whether they are considered non-graduation-required courses.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Asks when student projections must be submitted.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Asked how the appropriation bill and intent language would negatively impact IDLA.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Addressed by Mr. Simmons in response.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Janie Ward-Engelking says she agrees the proposed cuts are unnecessary and harmful to Idaho students, but she will still support the motion because she believes the intent language in the appropriation bill is even worse, as it sets aside code and establishes policy. She adds that she hopes services for students can still be maintained despite the cuts.
Director Grover — Andy Grover is addressed as Director Grover.
Mr. Grover — Explains that districts have historically paid a fee, now commonly $40, and that the $100 fee is new.
Mr. Grover — Says non-graduating courses would be electives and that he cannot identify exact courses in advance.
Jeff Simmons — Jeff Simmons is listed as a later witness in the hearing order, mentioned as appearing after the preceding witnesses.
Superintendent of Emmett School District — The speaker appears to be responding as a superintendent, stating the course fee is $40.
Dr. Jeff Simmons — Dr. Jeff Simmons, superintendent of IDLA, testifies on House Bill 940 and argues that the proposed amendments would create major problems for the program. He explains that the bill would impose a large funding cut, affect enrollment and access for students, and interfere with how schools use custom sections to meet graduation requirements. He also answers questions about course costs, noting that the State Board of Education approves fees and that dual credit fees were waived and reduced to lower barriers for students. Simmons further warns that the bill would cap service once projected enrollment is reached, limiting IDLA’s ability to respond to changing needs and enrollment spikes, and says projecting enrollment across fiscal years is difficult. He concludes that House Bill 940 is workable on its own, but the amendments would make it burdensome and reduce flexibility.
Mr. Simmons — Mr. Simmons explained that HB 940 would reduce funding by $10,385,265, and that the larger cut would force denial of services to an additional 6,700 students. He then discussed the bill’s intent language, noting that it includes two LSO reports, including a DEI-related curriculum report, and described how the funding structure would limit access to additional support or flexibility funding, leaving no funding available for those situations.
Dr. Jason Moss — Dr. Jason Moss, superintendent of Gray School District, testified in opposition to the amendments to House Bill 940. He argued that the changes would create scheduling nightmares, add unnecessary restrictions, and limit student access to courses, especially in small schools that rely on IDLA for electives they do not offer. He concluded by urging the committee to reject the amendments and return the bill to its original form.
Jeff G. — Named as the next superintendent witness, though the full surname is unclear.
Catherine Larson — Catherine Larson is introduced as the next witness and then begins her testimony, explaining that IDLA is a highly successful program that fills a necessary gap in Idaho education. She argues that the need it addresses will not go away, that it supports Idaho teachers, and that districts should not be pushed toward out-of-state alternatives, keeping resources in-state.
Quinn Perry — Quinn Perry is introduced as the final witness and then begins his testimony as the Deputy Director of the Idaho School Boards Association. He opens with a cautious tone and starts discussing concerns about the proposed cut to IDLA, describing IDLA as a lifeline.
Quinn Perry — Members offered a unified farewell to Quinn Perry, thanking her for her leadership in education and her support for public education and Idaho students. They praised her expertise and experience, said she would be difficult to replace, and expressed that she would be missed as she moves on to new opportunities, while also noting support for whoever succeeds her.