Penni Cyr, President of the Idaho Education Association, was interviewed by KBOI-Channel 2 in Boise today regarding the legislature’s efforts to restore funding for teacher salaries and school operations. Cyr told Channel 2 reporter that the legislators should do everything that they can to support teachers, including providing compensation on par with surrounding states and ensuring that schools and teachers have the resources needed to maximize student achievement. She also emphasized the need to address current funding shortfalls, not just the longer-term horizon laid out in some of the career ladder proposals.
The IEA’s comments are part of a very fluid education funding dynamic at the statehouse, where Governor Otter, Superintendent Ybarra, and multiple legislative committees are trying to find common ground. Dean Mortimer (R-Idaho Falls) is the chair of the Senate Education Committee and also sits on the Joint Finance & Appropriations Committee. In his role as chair of Senate Ed, Mortimer told JFAC today that a proposal for a new career ladder teacher pay plan should be coming soon.
The IEA has been involved in a number of conversations with lawmakers and other education stakeholders about the key pieces that we believe must be included in a career ladder plan.
JFAC to Hold Public Hearing Friday Morning
Your chance to weigh in with ideas and opinions comes up Friday morning, when JFAC will hold a public hearing on budget-related issues, including public education. The hearing will begin at 8:00 AM in the Lincoln Auditorium at the capitol. People interested in testifying can begin signing in at 7:00 AM for the first-come, first-served discussion. Individual testimony will be limited to three minutes each.
