House Bill 918 makes significant structural and funding changes to the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), cutting $13.5 million from a program that thousands of Idaho students rely on to access core and supplemental education.

Students Impacted

While the bill does not explicitly list a single total number, based on IDLA participation patterns:

• IDLA serves approximately 40,000–50,000 Idaho students annually

• The programs targeted for elimination or reduction (Driver’s Ed, Virtual School, K–5 Launchpad, Custom Sections, and private school access) represent a substantial share of enrollments

• Estimated impact: 20,000–30,000+ students will lose access to courses or face new barriers, particularly:

  • Rural students without local course options

  • Students needing credit recovery to graduate

  • Elementary students using K–5 Launchpad

  • Students relying on flexible/virtual schedules

  • Teens accessing Driver’s Education through schools

Key Concerns

• Reduced Access to Essential Courses

Eliminating Virtual School participation, K–5 programming, and Driver’s Ed cuts off entire pathways for students who depend on IDLA.

• Disproportionate Harm to Rural Communities

IDLA exists to fill “gaps”—this bill narrows that mission while removing many of the very programs that are those gaps.

• Funding Cap Will Limit Availability

The $445/course cap may not reflect actual delivery costs, potentially leading to fewer course offerings or increased local fees.

• Cuts to Flexible Learning Options

Removing custom sections and virtual access reduces schools’ ability to meet individual student needs.

• Shifts Costs to Families and Districts

As state support drops, schools or families may have to absorb higher costs—creating inequities in access.

H918 prioritizes cost-cutting over student access. The scale of the funding reduction and program eliminations will significantly limit educational opportunities for tens of thousands of Idaho students, especially those already facing barriers. 

This bill is a step backward for educational equity and flexibility in Idaho.