House Approves Teacher Pay Ladder

The House has voted 62-8 in favor of HB 296 , the career ladder teacher pay bill, sending it to the Senate side; you can read my full story here at spokesman.com. Anti-climactically, there was no debate, which surprised many – this is the bill that’s seen as a centerpiece of this year’s legislative session, to raise Idaho teachers’ salaries over the next five years, spending $125 million more in the process, while also adding accountability measures. After the quick vote, House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley commented, “It’s no small item, and it doesn’t go unnoticed”/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.