Idaho State Board of Education

The two-day meeting agenda covered several areas including Boardwork items such as agenda review, minutes approval, and rolling calendar review. The Consent agenda included numerous items across various categories (BAHR, IDE, IRSA, PPGA), focusing on FY 2026 Appropriations, scholarship costs, retirement plan restatement, various lease agreements and amendments for Boise State University, contract approvals for Idaho State University's Head Football Coach and policy approvals, software licenses for the University of Idaho, and emergency certificate recommendations. Other key discussion points included presentations from University of Idaho students and employees, annual reports from institutions, updates from the Idaho Department of Education on Civics Assessment, and extensive action items in Business Affairs and Human Resources regarding board policy readings (Retirement Plan Committee, Grants and Contracts), campus master plans, operating agreements, and facility improvement project authorizations for several universities. The second day focused heavily on Planning, Policy, and Governmental Affairs (legislative updates, presidential search, policy readings), and Instruction, Research and Student Affairs (policy readings and numerous proposed new program fees or changes for Boise State University, Lewis-Clark State College, and the University of Idaho). Informational items included Athletics revenue/compensation reports and annual reports from EPSCoR and HERC.

This document provides guidance for the implementation of Idaho's Future Readiness Project, a new graduation requirement replacing the traditional Senior Project for the Class of 2028. It outlines the project's core purpose, which includes demonstrating college and career competencies, supporting post-high school pathway exploration, and serving as a culminating capstone experience. The guidance details a required experiential component, offers flexibility for Local Education Agencies in design and implementation, and emphasizes competency-based education to prepare students for success beyond high school.

The work session focuses on postsecondary civics education, emphasizing the importance of graduates engaging productively in civic life. The discussion covers current institutional initiatives on civic knowledge, civil discourse, and civic or community engagement. The session aims to provide context for the America's Next 250: Enhancing Postsecondary Civic Knowledge and Engagement in Idaho plan, a Board initiative to promote civic education across all postsecondary institutions. The Board's leadership is key in establishing guidance for institutions to develop institution-wide approaches so that students gain civic knowledge and experience civil dialogue.

The Boise State University Campus Master Plan Update for 2025-2035 provides a strategic roadmap for the university's physical development, guiding long-term facility and infrastructure projects. It aligns with five strategic goals: improving educational access and student success, innovating for institutional impact, advancing research and creative activity, fostering a thriving community, and trailblazing programs and partnerships. The plan emphasizes creating flexible and collaborative spaces, enhancing the student experience, integrating with the natural environment and local community, expanding affordable housing, and improving multi-modal transportation, with the vision of ensuring Boise State remains a dynamic and resilient institution.

The meeting of the Business Affairs and Human Resources (BAHR) focused on several key policy revisions and updates. Discussions covered updates and clarifications to Board Policy II.G., addressing faculty matters such as contract terms, non-renewal procedures, and tenure processes. Further topics included policies related to gifts and affiliated foundations, the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee, construction projects, and intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, specific projects like the Limbr Center Planning and Design at Boise State University, the Morrison Center Bathrooms Remodel, and the University Plaza Parking Garage Repairs were addressed. The agenda also included items related to Idaho State University's P3 Student Housing Development, renovations and improvements at the University of Idaho's 4th Street and Pritchard Gallery, an undergraduate medical education update, a regional medical education campus collaboration agreement with the University of Utah School of Medicine, and an update on outcomes-based funding.