Ybarra: Schools in different regions of Idaho have different needs

Overall, state schools Supt. Sherri Ybarra’s budget request for public schools comes to $1,577,904,100 in state general funds, a 7.5 percent increase. But that’s not including the budget for Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind; when that’s counted in, Ybarra’s budget is a 7.6 percent increase.  Her budget request reflects a $110.5 million general fund increase.

Gov. Butch Otter’s budget proposal shows a 7.9 percent increase for schools, a increase of $116.5 million. There are various differences between the two proposals, but Ybarra said she supports the governor’s proposal and strongly backs the higher figure.

Among Ybarra’s initiatives not included in the governor’s budget proposal are a new plan to create “rural schools centers” around the state. It’s a relatively small budget item, at $300,000 for next year, to establish the first center. She said it would allow rural schools to “find cost savings and share resources.”

This would not mean consolidating rural districts, Ybarra said. “It is an educational support agency or a partnership. It will support academic achievement through a shared menu of programs and educational services.” That could include anything from early learning, special ed services and teacher training to financial services, technology support and nursing services, Ybarra said.

“Each center will look different depending on the different region of the state, because they have different needs,” she told lawmakers. “This is truly the fiscally responsible approach and the business model that we have been looking for in education.”