The Idaho Department of Education plans to ask state lawmakers for about $1.5 billion next year to operate and enhance public schools.
Public schools superintendent Tom Luna released his yearly budget proposal on Tuesday. Luna’s proposed budget is about 5% more than last year, when he asked state lawmakers for $1.38 billion.
In a statement, Luna called his request “responsible” and says that he recognizes the state is operating on a tight budget. Like he did last year, Luna will ask for more than $5 million for classroom supplies.
Luna has also earmarked money in his budget for teacher raises and a pay-for-performance plan, an approach that died in the 2008 Legislature.
Earlier this year, lawmakers ditched Luna’s proposal for merit-based pay increases and opted to approve $23.8 million in teacher raises, including a plan to boost the minimum Idaho teacher salary by 3%. (AP)