Among the provisions in the extensive "legislative intent" language that accompanies the public school budget is a clause to suspend the state's "maintenance match" requirement to school districts for next year, which saves the state $1.8 million. Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, said a separate piece of legislation is pending to remove the requirement for local school districts to put in their portion of the building maintenance match next year as well. The intent language also accomplishes various shifts between funds anticipated in the earlier budget motions; permanently eliminates the master teacher bonus program; makes the cuts in base salaries for teachers, administrators and classified staff; and more.

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