Highlights from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office
August 25, 2025
Idaho’s Hidden Treasure: How State Lands Fund Our Schools
Idaho earned the nickname “Gem State” for good reason.Its treasures are not only in Idaho’s star garnets, fertile farmland, and scenic landscapes but also in our state endowment lands. As students trade their sunscreen for backpacks this fall, they’re returning to schools partly funded by Idaho’s natural resources.
As your Secretary of State, I have the privilege of serving on Idaho’s Land Board alongside Governor Little, State Controller Woolf, Attorney General Labrador, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Critchfield. Together, we oversee a system that makes me proud to be an Idahoan: nearly 2.5 million acres of endowment lands that work around the clock to support our public schools and universities.
The Really Good News
This year, we approved a record-breaking distribution of $117.3 million to our schools and universities. That beat last year’s record of $110.4 million by 6.3%.
These aren’t tax dollars; this is money generated by Idaho’s natural resources working for Idaho families.
Think about it: while our kids are learning their numbers and letters, Idaho’s forests, farmlands, and grazing areas are quite literally earning money for their education. Timber harvests, agricultural leases, and mineral rights add up to real dollars in classroom budgets.
Benefits for All Idahoans
Idaho’s endowment lands create a win-win situation: they generate substantial revenue for education while remaining open for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities. This dual-purpose approach reduces the tax burden on Idaho families while supporting our schools and economy.
Through careful stewardship, these lands will continue benefiting Idahoans for generations to come, ensuring that Idaho’s natural treasures keep giving back to those of us who call this state home.
Phil McGrane
News of Interest
America250 in Idaho Committee focused on funding, resources for July 4, 2026, celebrations – Idaho Capital Sun
Secretary of state on mail-in ballots – KTVB
About Phil McGrane
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022. McGrane holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
