HISTORY: The citizens of Eastern Idaho have always supported a strong education system, by recognizing the quality of education it provides its young people is key to the health, vitality and prosperity of the region as a whole.
K-12 school districts throughout the region have strived to exceed state standards for accreditation. The results: schools throughout Eastern Idaho, from elementary through high school, repeatedly regularly receive "merit" or "exemplary" status, according to Northwest accreditation standards. School administrators in Eastern Idaho along with other administrators across Idaho are actively working to place an even greater focus on student achievement and continuous school improvement.
In addition, the greater Idaho Falls area has a host of higher education opportunities. Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) provides high quality educational programs that focus on the needs of the community for the 21st century. EITC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The College is a state supported technical college created in 1969 to serve citizens in its nine county service area by being a minimal cost, open-door institution that champions technical programs, customized industry training, basic skills instruction, workforce and community education, on-line distance education, and student services.
Idaho Falls is also home to University Place, which is unique in the fact that it has an exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio and offers courses from Idaho State University and University of Idaho. Their educational programs are individually designed so they meet the experience and objectives of the students and continue to provide an elevated quality of education and research as they have since 1954.
MISSION: The Education Committee of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce was developed to enhance private enterprise by advocating for a strong public school, college, and university system that educates our citizens to their fullest potential. The Education Committee believes that private enterprise and public education working together create new opportunities and improve the quality of life for all who live in our area.
MEETING TIME/LOCATION: TBA
COMMITTEE CHAIR:
Ann Howell
Idaho State University - University Place
208-282-7893
howeanna@isu.edu
2010 LEGISLATIVE STATEMENTS:
An educated citizenry is the greatest asset of the state.
- Lower the pass threshold for school bonds to 60%
- Fully fund all legislative mandates and additional student growth.
- Enhance revenue rather than decreasing the K-12 and higher education budgets.
- Allow increased flexibility consistent with Idaho Association of School Administrators recommendations that would provide school districts with the ability to meet budgetary obligations. See http://www.idschadm.org/idschadm/site/default.asp.
- Support the economical delivery of quality, collaborative, post-secondary education in Eastern Idaho through continued funding for University Place in Idaho Falls.
- Support funding for the professional technical education system for job training to help laid off workers retrain and upgrade their skills.
- Explore innovative ways to grow the Opportunity Scholarship Program each year including both public and private funding sources enabling more Idaho students to attend Idaho institutions of higher learning.