Testimony: ‘Paid less than in ‘08,’ ‘Time to rebuild trust,’ ‘A path forward’

In continuing testimony this morning on HB 222, the teacher career ladder bill:

Tom Van Deren, a language arts teacher at Highlands High School in Pocatello who’s been teaching for 19 years, told the lawmakers, “I’m still receiving less than I received in 2008.” He said he goes to Alaska to work every year to supplement his income; both he and his wife are master teachers, “by every definition of the words.” Van Deren said HB 222 doesn’t solve the problems with Idaho’s teacher compensation system. “This bill as it’s written will do nothing to stop the exodus,” he said.

Rod Gramer, president of Idaho Business for Education, said, “Critics of this bill on each end of the political spectrum lack confidence in the process – we’ve heard that today. We say it’s time to begin rebuilding trust back into the process. There’s no better way than to pass this bill, or a bill, and deliver.” He urged lawmakers to pass HB 222 and follow through by making sure teacher pay rises in Idaho. “Let’s not pass up this historic chance,” he said.

Wayne Rush, superintendent of the Emmett School District, said, “Probably none of us like everything that’s in this document. However, there are many reasons to support the bill. … It provides us a path forward to improve teacher salaries in Idaho. We have severely cut teacher pay. … The state currently provides $3,000 less than they provided in 2008 and 2009 for teachers with a masters degree and 10 years experience. Emmett School District is not able to pay our teachers what we paid them in 2008 and 2009. We have dug ourselves a deep hole. Our teachers have made sacrifices, and now it’s our turn to find a way to improve salaries. With this plan, we have a pathway forward. Without it, there are no plans, just hope.”