BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra is asking legislative budget writers for a 6.6 percent increase in state funding for schools, promising that the money will provide returns on the investment.
Ybarra presented her budget request to Idaho’s legislative budget writing committee Thursday morning, asking for $1.679 billion in state general funds, The Spokesman-Review (https://bit.ly/RtBvJO ) reported. That compares to the previous budget of $1.57 billion in state general funds.
Ybarra said her budget is aimed improving teaching and learning for students, accountability, and ensuring that Idaho can attract and keep great teachers and leaders. The biggest part of the increased funding, about $62 million, would go primarily toward teacher pay.
“This is such important work, and I believe that we have created a budget which truly supports innovation, creativity, and flexibility,” Ybarra told lawmakers. “… Educators throughout the state are doing a bang-up job of getting the greatest value for our dollar.”
Ybarra’s budget request differs somewhat from Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s recommendation. Among the differences: She’s asking for an $8 million increase in classroom technology funding, while Otter is recommending a $10 million increase.
“These students don’t see technology any more as a separate tool - it’s completely integrated into their lives and what they’re doing,” Ybarra told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.
Ybarra also lauded the $1 million allocation lawmakers provided last year to try a mastery-based system for some schools. The system is intended to help students advance in school based on mastery of the material, rather than just on the time spent in the classroom.
“Currently 19 schools and districts have been awarded a grant through this program and they’ve moved forward in improving the goals and strategies,” she said.
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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, https://www.spokesman.com
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