Luna Meets With Teachers, Parents In Idaho Falls

State Superintendent of Education Tom Luna is road-tripping across the Gem State this week on a post-legislative tour.

On Tuesday, Luna met with parents, teachers, and administrators in Idaho Falls to talk about the budget and his Students Come First plan.

A year ago the laws had just passed after weeks of protesting. Luna’s car tires were even slashed outside his home. But this time around, Luna said teachers seem to be “warming up” to the changes.

Luna answered questions and concerns from two dozen teachers at Taylorview Junior High School. The state superintendent said it’s the best part of his job.

“A lot of good questions. Some very bold questions, but very fair,” said Luna. “And a good dialogue. I picked up a few good ideas also.”

One year after Luna unveiled his controversial Students Come First reforms, he said most questions are about implementing technology and pay for performance.

“Many of them have been told that only a few teachers are going to get this bonus, when they now know that 85 percent of our teachers will receive some form of a bonus,” said Luna.

“Not all teachers agree with the direction it’s going, but he answered questions quite well,” said David Heath, a teacher at Idaho Falls’ Eagle Rock Junior High, and the only teacher who would speak with our station.

Luna said many are realizing his plan is not the “doomsday” scenario opponents predicted. But, he also knows it’s not perfect and tweaks will continue to be made, like the ones in the 2012 legislative session.

“Going into this session, we had to address fully funding Students Come First and I believe that’s what we’ve done,” said Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Idaho Falls.

Lawmakers restored $35 million that would have been taken from teacher salaries to pay for the reforms.

“I actually think some of that was strategic on their part as we have referendum coming up,” said Heath.

Looking ahead to the possibility of Students Come First being over-turned in November, Luna said he’s not worried.

“I don’t think we’re going to want to go back to that old system,” he said.

Luna also spoke to local parents Tuesday night at Ammon’s Hillcrest High School. About 45 people showed up.

Luna’s post-legislative tour continues on Wednesday in Pocatello.