Modernizing Idaho’s schools: It’s time for a funding formula that works

This is a paid advertisement for Stephanie Mickelsen, a Republican running for re-election for Seat District 32A in the Idaho House.

Idaho is a state that prides itself on being practical. When a piece of equipment on the farm is 30 years old and no longer doing the job, we don’t just keep pouring money into it — we fix it, or we replace it with something that works.

Our state’s school funding formula is that 30-year-old piece of equipment. Created in 1994, it was designed for a different era of education. Today, it is struggling to keep up with the realities of modern classrooms, digital learning and the unique needs of our students.

It is time to bring everyone to the table — regardless of party or ideology — to modernize how we fund Idaho’s future.

Funding education effectively, not just more

For too long, the conversation around education has been stuck in a loop of “more money” versus “less money.” But the real issue is effective funding. We need a formula that is student-centered rather than based solely on attendance and “staffing units.”

Currently, many of our districts find themselves “out of formula.” This happens when the state’s rigid, outdated calculations fail to account for the actual, localized costs of educating students, especially those with high needs or those in rapidly growing areas. When the formula fails, the burden often shifts to local property owners through supplemental levies. By updating the formula, we can ensure state dollars follow the student and provide a more stable, equitable foundation for every district in Idaho.

Leadership to get it done: Superintendent Debbie Critchfield

The good news is that we have the right leader at the helm to guide this complex transition. I am proud to support my friend, Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, in this effort.

Debbie isn’t a bureaucrat; she is a leader who has spent years listening to parents, teachers and school boards in every corner of this state. She understands the “nitty-gritty” of the budget, but more importantly, she understands the people it affects.

• She knows the complexities: Debbie understands that a rural school in East Idaho faces different challenges than a large district in the Treasure Valley.
• She builds bridges: She has the rare ability to cut through the political noise and focus on what actually works for kids.
• She is a partner to the Legislature: Debbie has been working side by side with us to identify efficiencies and ensure that every dollar spent in our schools is an investment in a student’s success.

The time is now

We cannot afford to wait. As Idaho grows and our economy evolves, our schools must be equipped to prepare the next generation for the workforce. We need a system that rewards innovation, supports our most vulnerable students, and respects the taxpayers.

This isn’t a Republican issue or a Democrat issue; it’s an Idaho issue. It’s about making sure that whether a child lives in Idaho Falls, Island Park, or Boise, the state’s funding formula is working for them.

Let’s stop patching up an old system and start building one that reflects the Idaho of today. With the leadership of Superintendent Critchfield and a commitment to common-sense solutions, we can get this done.

Ad paid for by Stephanie Mickelsen For Idaho.