Ybarra on school budget request: ‘Emphasis is on return on investment’

State schools Superintendent Sherri Ybarra told legislative budget writers this morning, “This year, we have an emphasis on return on investment.”

She said, “Kindergarten through 12 education is what we do. … This plan embodies the governor’s task force recommendations, as well as the department’s strong emphasis on improving K-12 education in Idaho.”

Ybarra said she’s requesting a 6.6 percent increase in state funding for schools, from this year’s $1.574 billion in state general funds to $1.679 billion. Ybarra said her budget request is aimed at three specific goals: Improving teaching and learning so that all Idaho students persevere in life and are ready for college and careers; accountability, in which she said “all education stakeholders are mutually responsible for accountability and student progress;” and human capital, that “Idaho attracts and keeps great teachers and leaders.”

Before Ybarra began, JFAC Co-Chair Rep. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, said, “The floor is yours for the introductory remarks, and then we’ll start looking at the numbers.”

Ybarra said the biggest part of the increase she’s requesting is for the next phase of the teacher career ladder for teacher pay; initially estimated at $58 million, that cost for next year now is estimated at $62 million, she said. “This shows we are investing in human capital and supping education goal No. 3 of attracting and retaining great teachers and leaders.”