Lemhi County asks to join College of Eastern Idaho

UPDATE: 2-14-19

Lemhi County voters will have opportunity to vote on whether or not to create a College of Eastern Idaho community college district.

The State Board of Education approved Lemhi County’s petition to create the district Thursday.

If voters approve, residents of the county would no longer pay “out-of-district” fees to attend the college.

ORIGINAL STORY;

College of Eastern Idaho trustees are asking the State Board of Education to approve a request from Lemhi County Commissioners to include Lemhi County in the CEI Community College District.

The board will take up the proposal during regular meetings in Boise Thursday.

Lemhi County Commissioners presented a petition signed by 116 county residents to the CEI Board in November. The request was accepted and sent to the State Board for its approval.

If the State Board approves the resolution, it would allow for a Lemhi County election to create a community college district. If approved, Lemhi County residents would no longer pay higher “out-of-district” fees to attend the Idaho Falls college and include Lemhi County in the CEI taxing district.

The state board staff has determined the addition of Lemhi County to the community college district would enhance the financial viability of CEI. According to its report, most courses would be delivered on the CEI campus or online. It said some courses might also be delivered at high schools located in Lemhi County.

Bonneville County voters approved creation of the community college taxing district on May 16,2017.

Bingham County asked to be included in the CEI district, but voters rejected the proposal at the polls on August 10, 2017.