Idaho board approves creation of chief education officer

The State Board of Education is supporting the formation of a chief education officer position to help consolidate back office operations in Idaho’s public community colleges and universities.

The Lewiston Tribune reports the position proposed by Republican Gov. Butch Otter last week would lead efforts to consolidate operations like purchasing, human resources and other services that are currently handled independently at each school.

The officer would report to the state board, and the savings generated from the consolidation efforts would be placed into scholarships and student services.

Otter is proposing $770,000 to fund the consolidation effort with nearly $270,000 to be directed for salary, benefits and office equipment for the position.

The state board requires authorization from Legislature to hire the officer.