Smart bombs

Though it’s facing lean budget times, the Washington Legislature is committed to delivering a new basic education funding formula in 2009. It better opt for an epidural, because the birthing unit – also know as the Basic Education Funding Task Force – is predicting a very big baby.

The task force plans to announce its big push in early December. Judging from preliminary reports, all facets of education would change under proposed guidelines. Here’s just some of what committee members could soon propose (to see more, visit whatittakesforkids.com):

•Competence-based teacher pay (as opposed to degree-based). Adjustments for hard-to-staff areas.

•New pay system for new teachers. Allow current teachers to opt into merit-based system.

•New statewide teacher evaluation and certification system.

•Seven periods a day in middle and high school to accommodate increased credit requirements.

•No more than 25 students in a classroom for grades 4-12. No more than 15 in K-3. All-day kindergarten.

•Increased aid for poorer districts. More money for special education and English language learning students.

•Return to the days when 50 percent of the general fund went to education, which would be a 25 percent increase phased-in over six years.

Jumping for joy? Curled into the fetal position? Well, you can bend the ear of one the task force members Wednesday at 7 p.m., when state Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Medina, is scheduled to hold forth on his proposal at the South Pines Elementary School multi-purpose room in Spokane Valley.

Teachable moments. News item via KIDK-TV: In Rexburg, Idaho, Matthew Whoolery and his wife couldn’t believe it when their second- and third-graders got off the bus last week and told them what other students were saying. “They were chanting on the bus, ‘Assassinate Obama. Assassinate Obama.’ ”

Teach your children well

Their father’s hell did slowly go by

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picked, the one you’ll know by.

News item via the Associated Press: The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a sign erected by a North Idaho landowner that advertises a “free public hanging” of President-elect Barack Obama and several other political figures. The handmade cardboard sign also features a noose fashioned from a length of nylon rope.

Teach your parents well

Their children’s hell will slowly go by

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picked, the one you’ll know by.

Priorities of government. So two years after dumping director Kim Thorburn, the Spokane Regional Health District still isn’t close to replacing her. That’s nothing. It’s been two years and seven months since Otto Zehm died in police custody, and the FBI is still investigating.

Or is it?