Idaho’s education overhaul: $150m for public schools and $50m for school choice expansion

In a bold move to reshape the state’s education landscape, Idaho Governor Brad Little announced a sweeping proposal aimed at bolstering both public education and school choice options. During his 2025 State of the State Address, Little unveiled plans for a historic $150 million investment in public schools, alongside a $50 million initiative to expand school choice opportunities for Idaho families.
The governor emphasized the critical importance of supporting Idaho’s public education system while providing families with more educational choices for their children. “Adequately funding public schools is both our constitutional and moral obligation, and we will not abandon that obligation,” Governor Little said. The proposal is part of his broader “KEEPING PROMISES” plan, which continues the state’s trend of investing heavily in education without raising taxes.
A Historic Commitment to Public Schools
The $150 million commitment to public schools represents a significant boost to Idaho’s educational infrastructure. The funds will address key gaps in rural school facilities, mental health services, school safety, and literacy programs. Governor Little’s plan aims to continue the progress made over the last five years, during which state funding for education increased by 80 percent.
This investment also includes measures to further improve teacher pay and health benefits, as well as enhancing literacy programs that are already underway. “We have significantly improved teacher pay and health benefits, increased funding for literacy, and begun addressing the longstanding facilities needs in schools across Idaho,” Little stated in his address.
Expanding School Choice with $50 Million Investment
Alongside this historic investment in public schools, Governor Little proposed a $50 million expansion of school choice options for Idaho families. The funds will support charter schools and other alternative educational programs, giving parents more flexibility in choosing the best educational path for their children.
Idaho has seen significant growth in public charter schools, which now serve approximately 30,000 students—an increase of 30 percent over the past five years. Governor Little has long been a proponent of school choice, stating, “Idaho is a leader in education freedom.” His administration has already made strides in reducing bureaucratic red tape and offering families more flexibility in educational options.
This new investment would further empower families, particularly those with children who have unique developmental or physical needs, by broadening their educational choices. However, the Governor was clear that any expansion of school choice would not come at the expense of public schools. “It must prioritize the families that need it most and it must not take funds away from public schools,” he emphasized.