Idaho lawmakers aim to give schools $128.5 million less in 2011 while allowing districts more freedom in how they spend what they get, an effort to make the worst budget year for public education as palatable as possible.
Republicans on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Wednesday voted to cut the budget 7.5 percent, to $1.58 billion. Democrats opposed the budget, but their pleas for less-severe cuts were rejected.
Teachers will see Idaho’s share of their salaries cut 4 percent, and will not get automatic raises based on education or experience. Minimum teacher salaries were cut to $29,655, though districts could still pay them more, if they choose.
School administrators are taking a 6.5 percent salary hit.
Instead of locking schools into spending on school supplies or new computers, the budget allows districts to direct money to their most-critical needs.
Meanwhile, JFAC members also voted 12-7 to pass a measure declaring an emergency for all Idaho school districts in 2010-2011, which would allow them to reopen their teacher’s contracts to renegotiate salaries and benefits.
Foes included both Democrats and Republicans, who argued the change would create uncertainty for teachers. However, others said it was a temporary measure to allow districts to make it through lean times.
The House and Senate still must approve the public education budget plans. (AP)
