Editorial: Idaho plan to boost teacher pay right move

Prepare to be surprised.

The Idaho Legislature appears to have settled on a plan to boost teacher pay that is endorsed by school districts, state officials, the governor and the instructors themselves. It’s a remarkable comeback, given the poor reception HB 296 initially received.

The key was inviting teachers to the table, a sensible strategy the state had ignored for years. The public didn’t appreciate that, rejecting the so-called Luna Laws at the ballot box.

Under the compromise, announced Friday, the state will spend $125 million more on salaries in the next five years, with a $33.5 million down payment for next year. Teachers would qualify by meeting performance standards and educational benchmarks, such as achieving “master teacher” status.

Notably, student test scores were removed from teacher evaluations, a move we don’t support. But the bill was going nowhere as long as that stipulation remained. Teachers say it’s unfair to grade them on student outcomes that are partly the fault of a do-nothing Legislature. Better to grant that compromise than go another year without boosting salaries.

Lawmakers can always revisit the issue, but they’re under the gun to act fast or risk the continuing loss of Idaho’s best teachers. Higher pay in surrounding states is a strong lure.

Under the bill, the minimum pay for starting teachers – one-third of Idaho’s instructors – would rise from $31,750 to $37,000 after five years. Experienced teachers could earn as much as $44,375 after five years. Those deemed “master teachers” would top out at $47,875. School districts would make the final determination and could offer more.

Two earlier versions of the bill were scrapped for lack of teacher buy-in. At a March 10 hearing, more than 100 people, mostly teachers, testified for about six hours. The remarks were decidedly negative.

In response, the House Education Committee held the bill, and the issue looked as if it was headed for its usual dead end. But Friday’s announcement changed that. Among the key adjustments were changes to teacher evaluations and allowing teachers to take part in shaping the new pay system.

Key lawmakers, such as House Education Chairman Reed DeMordaunt, R-Eagle, deserve credit for keeping the bill alive. Credit also goes to Gov. Butch Otter and Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill for supporting the revisions.

Don Coberly, Boise School District superintendent, summed up this triumph of cooperation: “For nearly eight years, the debate about public education in Idaho has been rancorous and divisive.” Adding, “We believe that the product is a bill, HB 296, that has the potential to not only change the discussion about education but the direction for our schools, our teachers and our students.”

The bill must still pass both chambers, but with a strong coalition of supporters, it looks promising. It’s a remarkable turnaround that should benefit Idaho’s children and boost the state’s long-term fortunes.