BOISE— President Milford Terrell today updated the Idaho State Board of Education on the status of the Gear Up program. "We’ve worked very hard, we didn’t get everything we wanted nor asked for, but I am pleased to announce that we are in good shape and we will continue with this wonderful program" said Terrell. The Board will still need to raise approximately 1.3 million dollars spread over the next five years to complete Idaho’s commitment for year one, as well as raising the ongoing commitment required for match each year. President Terrell went on to report that the Division of Financial Management has approved the Board’s plan pending Governor Otter’s final decision. The Governor is currently out of the state, finishing a trade mission to China.
The Board also approved pending and temporary scholarship rules. The rules, which now go to the Legislature for final approval, would open new avenues for Idahoans in their quest to pursue postsecondary education.
The Board also approved an appropriation in the amount of three-hundred thousand dollars to the College of Western Idaho (CWI). The 2007 Idaho Legislature approved a total appropriation of five million dollars for any new community college that was approved by the voters for fiscal year 2008 (July 1, 2007- June 30, 2008). The State Board of Education advanced an initial three-hundred thousand dollars to CWI during its August 2007 meeting in Twin Falls. The Legislature mandated that any new community college must submit its business plan to the State Board of Education before the entire appropriation could be transferred. The College of Western Idaho has committed to finish its business plan and present it to the Board during it’s regularly schedule meeting in Pocatello, December 6-7, 2007 at Idaho State University.
# # # #