Idaho Schools Superintendent seeks 6.6 percent budget boost

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 reported. That compares to the previous budget of $1.57 billion in state general funds. Ybarra said her budget is aimed at three specific goals: 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 toward the teacher career ladder for teacher pay. 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.