The Idaho House today defied the will of Idahoans and passed the first of three bills proposed by Superintendent Tom Luna to overhaul education in the state. Senate Bill 1108 strips teachers’ rights and ends decades of positive collaboration between teachers and their districts. It passed on a 48-22 vote, with nine Republicans joining the 13 Democrats in opposition.
“Idahoans have spoken out for two months against these bills, but lawmakers refuse to listen,” said Idaho Education Association President Sherri Wood. “I know teachers. I’ve been in this profession for 34 years, and I know that the voices of teachers will not be silenced.”
Senate Bill 1110, the unfunded pay-for-performance bill, will be on the House floor tomorrow. A third bill to increase class sizes, impose technology mandates, and eliminate a thousand or more Idaho education jobs remains in the Senate Education Committee, but Luna told reporters last week he expects it to be revived in some form this session.
To protest the passage of Senate Bill 1108 and lawmakers’ refusal to listen to their constituents, Day of Action activities are planned statewide on Wednesday, March 9.
In Boise, a human chain will circle the Capitol starting at 4:30 p.m., followed by a rally at Capitol Park at 5:30 p.m. Parents, students, and community members are invited to support educators from Boise, Caldwell, Kuna, Meridian, Mountain Home, Nampa, Vallivue, and across the Treasure Valley by joining us at the Capitol. Other events planned around the state on Wednesday include:
Blackfoot– Rally at Cammack Park, Meridian and Bridge streets.
Blaine County– Human Chain on Main events are set along North Main Street in Hailey and at the Four Corners light at Main Street and Sun Valley Road in Ketchum.
Buhl – A gathering is set for 3:30 p.m. outside the school district office at the Four Corners downtown.
Cassia County – A human chain will surround the schools in Cassia County after school.
Driggs – Rally in front of Broulim's on Main Street, 4 to 6 p.m.
Idaho Falls– Educators from Districts 91 and 93 and other area union members will rally and march from 4 to 6 p.m. Meet at the ShopKo parking lot on 17th Street.
Kimberly – A human chain will surround the schools in Kimberly before school.
Lewiston– Just Say No to the Luna Plan Rally, 5 to 7 p.m., Locomotive Park.
Moscow– Meet at Palouse Center Mall crosslight area from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for sign waving.
Payette – Rally in front of the old Lonnie's market, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Pocatello– Rally and march set after school at the old Fred Meyer at the corner of Alameda and Yellowstone.
Post Falls – Sign waving is set for Spokane St. and Seltice Way at 4 p.m.
Twin Falls– Human chains are planned around the schools after school.
Click here to urge Gov. Otter to listen to public opposition and veto Senate Bill 11108.
