Among Gov. Butch Otter’s education proposals that he’s highlighting in his State of the State message today: $38.9 million for the next phase in the “career ladder” that lawmakers started on last year, in a move to increase teacher pay; $5 million for college and career advising for students; $5 million for professional development for teachers; and $10 million more for classroom technology. All follow the 20 recommendations of an education stakeholders task force that Otter appointed, and are part of the second year of a five-year plan to improve Idaho’s public schools.

Otter also is recommending nearly $30 million next year to bring operational funds for school districts, also called “discretionary” funds, back to 2009 levels. State schools Superintendent Sherri Ybarra requested that amount next year; Otter said he supports her request. “Our Task Force recommended a five-year plan for that process,” he said. “But the timeline can be cut to three years by approving my recommendation for nearly $30 million.”