Program Added-Cost funds provide formula-based state funding to eligible local education agencies (LEAs) to support approved secondary career technical education (CTE) programs. Program Added-Cost funds help cover the additional instructor and program costs associated with operating high-quality CTE programs in grades 7-12.
You may also apply for Program Added-Cost funding to:
- Establish a new secondary CTE program
- Change a program type
- Reinstate an inactive program
Who is eligible
Eligible programs must:
- Be approved secondary CTE programs
- Be currently active
- Have a properly endorsed CTE teacher
- Generate full-time equivalent (FTE) in the Idaho System for Educational Excellence (ISEE)
How funding is determined
Program Added-Cost funds are allocated based on approved secondary CTE programs and available state funding.
If funding is available, approved new and reinstated programs will begin generating Program Added-Cost funds during the upcoming school or fiscal year. Funding for approved new programs isn’t guaranteed and depends on available funds.
How funds can be used
Program Added-Cost funds may be used for:
- Instructional materials and supplies, including Workplace Readiness Assessment and Technical Skills Assessment exam costs
- Industry-standard equipment costing more than $500 with a life expectancy of at least two years
- Salaries for eligible CTE instructors and advisors
- Contracts for maintaining and repairing CTE equipment and labs
- Short-term specialized instructors for topics such as OSHA certification or CPR
- Travel and professional development expenses for CTE instructors
Program Added-Cost funds are intended to support costs unique to CTE programs that aren’t typically found in other secondary programs, such as welding materials, specialized equipment and industry-standard technology.
For specific details about allowable and unallowable costs, review the Allowable Uses of Program Added-Cost Funds.
Important deadlines
- Program Added-Cost applications are due Feb. 15 each year.
- All Program Added-Cost funds must be spent by June 30.
- Expenditure reports are due July 31 each year.
LEAs that don’t submit an expenditure report won’t be eligible to receive Program Added-Cost funding during the following fiscal year.
Frequently asked questions
What if my approved program doesn’t have a teacher yet?
An approved program won’t generate Program Added-Cost funding until it has a properly endorsed CTE teacher generating FTE in ISEE. Once the program is active and meets staffing and reporting requirements, it may become eligible for Program Added-Cost funding.
How is PAC funding calculated?
Program Added-Cost funding is calculated using prior-year ISEE data matched to approved programs. Funding is based on teacher FTE for assignments that are fully aligned with the instructor’s certification throughout the school year, as reported in the final ISEE submission.
Programs receive full funding at 1.0 program units for FTE of 0.8 or greater.
Does an increase in teacher FTE increase funding?
Not necessarily. If funding is available, additional FTE may result in increased funding.
How are Program Added-Cost funds different from salary-based apportionment funding?
The Idaho Department of Education distributes funding based on support units, including average daily attendance, staffing positions and certified contract FTE during the midterm reporting period.
The Idaho Division of Career Technical Education calculates Program Added-Cost funding based on teacher FTE reported for the entire school year.