Idaho has taken steps in recent years to restore education funding following the state’s disinvestment during the Great Recession. Fiscal Year 2018 (FY2018) brought state education spending per student within striking distance of pre-recession levels and the FY2019 budget finally exceeds FY2008, after adjusting for inflation. To meet recommendations put forth by the Governor’s Task Force on Improving Education, the state will still need to invest at least $120 million additional dollars. This steady restoration of state school funding lies in contrast with uncertainty in other funding sources. Federal funding is notably variable, while supplemental levies are subject to ongoing voter approval.
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