Editorial: Critical decisions in offing for Idaho education
Idaho education, directionless after budget cuts, teacher losses and overwhelming public rejection two years ago of the so-called Luna laws, could be at a turning point this week.
The Idaho State Board of Education could vote today on a tiered compensation plan that opponents claim will grease the exits for teachers already looking at job opportunities out of state.
Supporters say the plan would set a foundation for significant and long-overdue teacher salary increases based on professional evaluations and student progress on standardized tests.
Meanwhile, on Monday, an Ada County District Court judge issued a summary judgment against the Department of Administration for its handling of contracts awarded in 2009 for the broadband communications network linking Idaho’s 200-plus high schools. The network will almost certainly survive – connectivity is almost as fundamental as the alphabet – but the decision puts the state or its contractors at risk for as much as $60 million in payments to the federal government and suit plaintiff Syringa Networks.
Judge Patrick Owen did not use the word “stink,” but efforts by the department and other contractors to squeeze Syringa out of its share of the contract began almost immediately. He noted the department tried to “amend” the contract so as to rescind some language, but ruled the changes after the awarding of the contracts violate Idaho procurement law.
Incredibly, with the litigation ongoing, department Director Teresa Luna last year extended the contract through 2019 – without telling the Legislature. Some legislators, anticipating a ruling for Syringa, had urged the department to settle.
Instead, the litigation has cost the state $760,000, and the bill could increase if officials decide to appeal. Gov. Butch Otter, who has defended the contract, should call off the lawyers.
The tiered compensation plan is an effort to reward Idaho’s underpaid teachers while assuring the increases reflect student progress on standardized tests. Linking the two makes sense – Washington needs to make the same connection – but the proposal that had been before the Board of Education lacked flexibility and alarmed teachers who are implementing the tough new Common Core curriculum.
There were indications Wednesday the board might be looking at modifications to address some concerns. Idaho’s school districts and teachers would value any sign someone in Boise is listening to their concerns, and responding.
Idaho spends less on K-12 education than it did five years ago, but morale probably has suffered just as much from a justifiable sense that educators get no respect from lawmakers. Two months into the school year, some districts have been unable to hire a full complement of teachers.
The upcoming session of the Legislature could put Idaho education on the path to recovery. That would be great news for students, the ultimate beneficiaries.