TWIN FALLS— The Idaho State Board of Education concluded its annual August meeting by approving proposed fiscal year 2009 budgets for each of its thirteen institutions and agencies. The Board must now submit those proposed budgets to The Department of Financial Management (DFM) for review, who will then forward recommendations on to Governor Otter for potential inclusion in his FY09 budget request.
The Board also ordered further study on the possible restructure of The Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind. New educational standards were adopted by the Board during its June 2007 meeting. Several potential service-delivery models have been discussed, but ultimately the Board felt more study is needed before proceeding with drafts of any legislative measures for the upcoming 2008 Session.
The Board authorized the University of Idaho to move forward with its plan to develop and construct a campus in Sandpoint, in conjunction with the Wild Rose Foundation. The University of Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear was given a contract extension.
The Board reviewed and approved the eight year plans for each of the institutions of higher learning, as well as their own strategic plan, as required by the Legislature.
The Board also released its Adequate Yearly Progress Report (AYP) for spring 2007. The scores that determine AYP are taken from the spring ISAT results. Some schools and districts saw drops from previous years and did not meet AYP as required by the Federal No Child Left Behind Act. "It’s important to remember that ISAT is now aligned to Idaho’s standards, and with the recent alignment to the standards also came an increase in performance standards. We must demand more rigor and accountability of our students and schools," said Board Vice President Paul Agidius. A complete list of schools and their AYP status can be found at http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/saa/ayp/AYP0607Results.xls
For more information on the State Board of Education, please visit www.boardofed.idaho.gov
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