House and Senate Democrats held a press conference just now against state schools Supt. Tom Luna's school reform plan. "Frankly some parts of his plan are intriguing," said House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston. But, he said, "We agree with the citizens of Idaho - this is not ready. We ask Supt. Luna to take the time to work collaboratively, to revise his vision."

Senate Minority Leader Edgar Malepeai, D-Pocatello, said the plan lacks involvement or buy-in from the stakeholders who would have to implement it, including teachers. Rusche said lawmakers have received thousands of calls and emails from people all over the state, "almost universally in opposition to this plan." Senate Minority Caucus Chair Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, said, "We need to start afresh, both from a policy and a process perspective." Click below to read their full statement.

For immediate release - Wednesday, February 16, 2011

House and Senate Democrats Say No to Otter-Luna Plan 2.0
Latest versions of bills fail to address the most objectionable aspects of the plan

BOISE— Legislative Democrats reaffirmed their opposition to the radical restructuring of Idaho’s schools proposed by Governor Otter and Superintendent Luna, noting that the sponsors have ignored overwhelming citizen opposition to larger class sizes, significant reductions in the state’s teaching force, and an over-emphasis on technology as a way to cut costs.

“The Otter-Luna Plan 2.0 has the same flaws as the original, minus a few small ‘bug fixes,’ to use a high-tech term that the Superintendent can appreciate,” observed House Minority Leader John Rusche (D-Lewiston).  “The final product wasn’t ready for prime time when it was first unveiled and it isn’t ready now. We’ve received thousands of calls, letters, email messages, and visits from concerned parents and citizens from all over the state who have given the Otter-Luna plan a failing grade. It is our duty to stand up to a plan that threatens the stability of our education system and jeopardizes the future of our children.”

Senate Minority Leader Edgar Malepeai (D-Pocatello) expressed ongoing concerns with the process. “While the Superintendent warned that his proposals would ‘make the adults uncomfortable,’ it’s time to acknowledge that we need an adult conversation regarding the future of education in Idaho. Such a conversation must include people who have an interest in shaping our educational future. Unfortunately, Superintendent Luna developed this plan in a vacuum. Had he pursued a collaborative process, he wouldn’t be facing such strong opposition from nearly everyone who works with our kids.”

Democrats suggest the plan sponsors are either ignoring or misinterpreting public sentiment. “The Governor and Superintendent appear to be taking great liberties in translating their election victories into strong mandates for a plan that was crafted behind closed doors—a plan that was never spoken of during the 2010 campaign season,” said House Minority Caucus Chairman Brian Cronin (D-Boise).  “In fact, on the campaign trail, rather than acknowledging his intention to surrender in the battle to properly fund our schools, Mr. Luna spoke of finding additional revenue to avoid cuts. What happened between November 2 and January 10 that caused Mr. Luna to conclude that there was no point in fighting for our kids and school funding any longer? ”

“We need to start afresh, both from a policy and a process perspective,” said Senate Minority Caucus Chair Michelle Stennett (D-Ketchum). This plan may have some ideas worth considering but its fatal flaw was that it was primarily focused on money and not designed to boost achievement to prepare our children more effectively for college and the workplace. What our children and schools need, as much as ideas for improving the system, is the political will from legislators to step up and do the right thing in prioritizing an appropriate level of funding for our schools.”