State schools Supt. Tom Luna told the House Education Committee this morning that the school budget set by JFAC yesterday shows the need for his reform bill, SB 1184. “Here we are facing a third year of funding cuts in our public schools,” he said. “It's clear this is the new normal in our economy. … we have to give our schools the tools they need to do more with less, and technology is the key to making that happen.” The bill shifts funds from teacher salaries to purchasing technology. The 24-page bill also makes a series of changes in how Idaho's schools are funded and brings in a new focus on online learning, while phasing in a plan to have one “mobile computing device” for every high school student in Idaho/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

• Luna: 'These are changes we've talked about for many, many years'
• Luna: 'Devices' would let Idaho customize its schoolbooks
• House Ed opens hearings on 3rd school 'reform' bill
• Cronin: Why no transparency in bill for online providers?
• Hancock: 'That's as local as it gets'
• Luna: Statewide laptop purchase 'would drive down costs considerably'
• Questions about possible forced consolidation of school districts

Question: Are you looking forward to the day your children receive their new state-provided computers and begin to learn online?