Idaho is struggling to distribute much-needed funds to students and districts, legislators are considering tax cuts, bargaining restrictions, private school vouchers, and other problematic bills. In the middle of the situation is Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, who is fighting for students and professional educators as a member of both the Senate Education Committee and the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. We spoke with Ward Engelking, a former classroom teacher, and longtime IEA member, in this IEA REPORTER interview.
Among the highlights:
- Proper use of the budget surplus–tax cuts or funding schools?
- Why are federal emergency funds stuck in Boise?
- HB 174, which would gut local bargaining and neutralize educator’s voices.
- Bills to reduce election windows and restrict ballot initiatives
- Will JFAC restore funding lost in the 5 percent holdback?
