(1) State Board Function

Describe how the State board will implement its functions under section 101(d) of WIOA (i.e.. provide a description of Board operational structures and decision making processes to ensure such functions are carried out).

In January 2017, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter appointed a seventeen-member Workforce Development Task Force to “examine ways to improve Idaho’s funding and delivery of training programs to meet our state’s growing demand for skilled workers.” The Task Force concluded that Idaho needed an entity in the state to better focus and direct workforce development efforts, and empowering a more business-driven Workforce Development Council was the right way to do it. Of the nine recommendations (see Attachment *** for the full report) delivered by the Task Force in July 2017, the highest priority was placed on implementing an organizational model that meets the following expectations:

a. Is industry-driven;

b. Can hire/direct dedicated staff;

c. Can effectively coordinate industry-driven workforce development efforts among state agencies and educational institutions; and

d. Is actionable and accountable.

In response to the Task Force recommendations, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter updated his Executive Order concerning the Council adding industry members, moving the Council under the Executive Office of the Governor and appointing an Executive Director in late 2017.

State Board Responsibilities

In Executive Order No. 2017-13, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter appointed the Idaho Workforce Development Council as the state board under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

As outlined in the executive order, the council is specifically responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and appropriate executive agencies on matters related to developing and implementing a comprehensive workforce development strategy for Idaho that:

a. Increases public awareness of and access to career education and training opportunities;

b. Improves the effectiveness, quality and coordination of programs and services designed to maintain a highly skilled workforce; and,

c. Helps provide for the most efficient use of federal, state and local workforce development resources.

The council is also responsible for:

1. Development and oversight of procedures, criteria, performance measures and expenditures for the Workforce Development Training Fund; and
2. Other duties as assigned by the governor.

Implementation of State Board Functions

As described in the introduction to this section, Executive Order 2017-13 provided for a significant shift in the composition and responsibilities of the Idaho Workforce Development Council. The Council now meets the membership requirements for the WIOA State Board. In addition, the Council has an Executive Director and staff separate from the Idaho Department of Labor. Because this executive order was issued in December 2017, the new Council has only conducted one of its quarterly meetings prior to the submission of this modification.

The Workforce Development Council will be performing the majority of its work through a committee structure moving forward. Quarterly meetings of the full Council are scheduled a year in advance and committees will be meeting monthly once the new structure is realized. Notice of meetings and all materials are also posted on the state’s website. Council meetings are typically well attended by the public with approximately 40-50 attendees from education and workforce agencies participating in each meeting.

The Council empanels standing and ad hoc committees, appointed by the chair when needed. Committee members may include individuals from the general public who have special knowledge and qualifications to be of assistance to the council.

The newly reorganized council intends to utilize six standing committees, the Executive Committee, the Apprenticeship Committee, the Workforce Development Policy Committee, the Grant Review Committee, the One-Stop Committee and the Outreach Committee. As defined in the bylaws (which are being updated and will be acted on at the April 5, 2018 meeting of the Council), the Executive Committee consists of five private sector members including the Chair and Vice Chair. The primary function of the Executive Committee is to ensure that the Governor’s directive to develop and implement a comprehensive workforce development strategy for Idaho is carried out. The Executive Committee is also empowered to conduct business in the interim between meetings and may act on behalf of the entire council.

The remaining committees are briefly described below:

Workforce Development Policy Committee

The WD Policy Committee shall be responsible for developing and overseeing procedures, criteria and performance measures for the Workforce Development Training Fund. (WDTF funds are state funds comprised of a 3 percent offset from the collected Unemployment Insurance tax.) The committee shall also develop an annual projection of needs for state investment into workforce development activities.

One-Stop Committee

The One-Stop Committee shall ensure the WDC assists the Governor in fulfilling the requirements of the State Workforce Investment Board as set forth in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - with an emphasis on continuous improvement, alignment and coordination. The committee shall draft policies as needed and coordinate procurement activities for the one-stop system.

The WIOA Advisory Group (referenced in Section II.c.2 Program Alignment, Section III.a.2.A Implementation of State Strategy, Assessment and Section III.b.4 Evaluation of Programs and One-Stop Program Partners) is responsible for informing the One-Stop Committee on WIOA implementation and assisting the Workforce Development Council fulfill its responsibilities under WIOA section 101(d) and WIOA section 107 (d).

The WIOA Advisory Group recommends actions to implement the WIOA State Plan, along with One-Stop, and other provisions or requirements of WIOA. These recommendations are presented to the One-Stop Committee, where the executive leaders of the partner agencies can ensure proper resourcing and implementation needs are addressed. The One-Stop Committee then recommends measures for adoption by the full council.

Apprenticeship Committee

The Apprenticeship Committee leads the development of replicable and sustainable work-based learning opportunities. The initial focus of the committee shall be on registered apprenticeship. The committee shall also explore whether Idaho should consider creating a State Apprenticeship Agency and making a recommendation to the Council. The committee also serves in advisory capacity to Idaho’s team in the National Governors Association Work-Based Learning Policy Academy.

Grant Review Committee

The Governor has added the responsibility of approving expenditures (i.e. awards) of Workforce Development Training Funds to the Council. This was previously the responsibility of the Directors of the Departments of Commerce and Labor in consultation with the Governor’s office. To maintain a separation of duties between setting the policy for the Workforce Development Training Fund and awarding grants, a Grant Review Committee is formed to review applications and make recommendations to the Council. The Grant Review Committee is chaired by a member of the Executive Committee.

Outreach Committee

The Workforce Development Task Force recommendations and subsequent Executive Order from Governor Otter adds “increase public awareness of and access to career education and training opportunities” to the responsibilities of the Council. The Outreach Committee will drive the coordination across state agencies, education and the private sector to meet these objectives. The committee will also prepare a plan and funding request for the Council to invest state Workforce Development Training Funds in support of these activities.

State Board Decision Making Process

The Council has authority to make decisions regarding its functions as both the state board and the local board under WIOA. Recommendations from committees are placed on the consent agenda for consideration by the full Council at its quarterly meetings. The Executive Committee, who meets monthly, can take action on items requiring more expeditious review. The Executive Committee is then required to report on its actions at the next full Council meeting.

At the quarterly meetings, the full Council reviews pertinent decision items, including supporting documentation and presentations by staff, as appropriate. Any Council member may ask that an item be removed from the consent agenda for further discussion. The Council will deliberate if necessary, and the recommendation is either approved, or amended in a motion from a council member. A separate council member must second the motion. After being seconded, the full Council votes to approve or reject the recommendation by counting “ayes” and “nays.” In order for a decision to be binding, a quorum of members must be present at the time the vote takes place. Recommendations which are rejected by the council are returned to the appropriate committee for further work or revision.