BOISE, ID — The Idaho Legislature’s budget-setting committee heard an updated K-12 public schools budget request Wednesday that emphasizes protecting existing funding while expanding support for special education without seeking new dollars, according to the Idaho Department of Education.

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee received presentations on the fiscal year 2027 K-12 and education department budgets, including remarks from Debbie Critchfield, superintendent of public instruction. The presentation took place in Boise.

Critchfield said the request is designed for a tight state fiscal environment, prioritizing flexibility and efficiency for local education agencies while maintaining current funding levels. The proposal also includes statutory adjustments and required health insurance expenses.

An earlier version of the budget request submitted in September sought $50 million in special education block grants. That request was revised as the state’s fiscal outlook became clearer, with the department identifying alternative ways to support special education services.

According to the department, the updated proposal redirects existing resources rather than drawing from the state’s General Fund. Remaining dollars in the Driver Training account and interest earnings from the Idaho Career Ready Students fund would be reallocated to areas of greater need.

Critchfield told lawmakers the department adjusted its approach after reassessing statewide finances, describing the changes as a responsible way to address growing demand for education services while staying within existing resources.

The K-12 budget represents one of the largest allocations of public funds in Idaho and accounts for the majority of state spending on public education, the Idaho Department of Education said.