Education Association happy with majority of new education budget

The new Idaho education budget was released Monday.

The new budget gives a 6 percent increase, or $2.2 billion, to K-12 public schools. It includes $50 million to pay for the fifth and final year of a program that boosts teacher pay. It also increases funding for classified staff raises. Classified staff includes all school staff members who are not a certified teachers. The Idaho Falls Education Association, which is part of the Region 6 branch of the Idaho Education Association, is happy about these and many other parts of the budget.

“We’re pleased to see the funding of the fifth year of the career ladder,” said Kirstin Wheeler, co-president of the IFEA. “That’s huge for our teachers. The increase in the discretionary spending is also important because it’s going to help mitigate the rising cost of health care for our teachers who support their families and carry them on their insurance. It’s one of the biggest costs that we have as teachers when it comes to our paychecks.”

One thing not in the budget that the IFEA would like to see is funding for preschools. Idaho is one of four states that does not provide funding for preschool.

“As a mother and former preschool teacher, I know how critical that early education can be in preparing students to read and get them ready for school,” Wheeler said.

The Idaho Education Association is also waiting to see what happens with the proposed new school funding formula. Overall, it is working closely with government officials to give the students and schools what they need.

“The IEA has worked really hard to work in collaboration with Gov. Little to provide that increase in the budget because strong public schools matter,” Wheeler said. “Our families and our students’ education matter. And the IEA really looks forward to continuing to work with him to see that increased.”

The budget must next clear the House and the Senate before going to the Governor for final approval.