Over the past few weeks, Superintendent Tom Luna and his allies have accused the Idaho Education Association of ginning up opposition to his plan. On Idaho Public Television’s “Idaho Reports” web extra segment last Friday, the pundits’ panel agreed the public’s passion was ignited not by the IEA but because the plan wasn’t discussed last year and seems so half-baked.
Luna blames the union’s leaders, not teachers, for the angst. But Superintendent Luna reported to the IEA today that this past weekend, an educator showed up at his mother’s home to complain about her son’s plan. We can assure you – as we assured Mr. Luna – that no union boss sent anyone to his mother’s home.
We mentioned last week that it’s up to educators to take the high road in this debate. It’s simply unacceptable to harass anyone. There are appropriate channels through which to express our displeasure at the Luna plan: emails to Mr. Luna and to Gov. Otter, letters to the editor, calls to talk radio, and calls and emails to state lawmakers over negative aspects in the new Luna bills. We urge you to use the proper tools already available and communicate civilly and professionally.
