Lewis Clark State College outlines $41.7 million budget for fiscal year 2025

The Senate Finance Meeting held on January 27, 2025, focused on the budget proposals for Idaho's colleges and universities, with a significant presentation from Lewis and Clark State College. Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst from the Legislative Services Office, outlined the college's financial needs and budgetary structure.

Lewis and Clark State College, which serves 3,881 students, is seeking a base budget of $41.7 million for fiscal year 2025. This figure does not include tuition and fee revenues, which are crucial for the college's financial management. In the previous fiscal year, the college generated approximately $23.7 million in tuition and fees, which were reappropriated for the current budget cycle. Campbell emphasized that these funds are subject to oversight by the State Board of Education, ensuring accountability in their use.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of the Normal School Endowment Fund, which supports the college through various revenue sources, including timber proceeds and interest earnings. This fund is managed by the Endowment Fund Investment Board, with distributions split between Idaho State University and Lewis and Clark State College.

Campbell presented a historical overview of the college's budget, noting fluctuations over the past five years, including a 3.5% growth projected for FY 2025. He mentioned the college's focus on competitive employee compensation, a key concern raised in their budget submission.

In addition to the base budget, Lewis and Clark State College received enhancements for operational capacity and other initiatives, totaling over $440,000 for FY 2025. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further discussion, allowing college representatives to address specific questions regarding their budget and operational needs.