Ybarra, Jones Question Bonuses

Both candidates for state superintendent are questioning Tom Luna’s decision to award $151,000 in “retention bonuses” to senior managers — including four managers who have since left the state’s payroll. Nearly one-fifth of Luna’s bonuses went to former staffers, to the chagrin of both Sherri Ybarra, a fellow Republican, and Democrat Jana Jones. Ybarra and Jones are vying to succeed Luna in the Nov. 4 election. As a statewide elected official, the winner would have wide latitude to award bonuses to her staff. Using this latitude, Luna (pictured in AP File Photo) awarded bonuses of up to $9,998.40 to 22 managers — payments that exceed what an appointed state agency head could award/Kevin Richert, IdahoED NEWS . More here .

DFO: Every time Superintendent Luna does something goofy like this, I’m reminded how much I’m not going to miss him when he returns to the private sector. Seems fiscal responsibility only counts for Luna when he’s running for re-election. Thoughts?