March 13, 2009 (from the Idaho Statesman)

Otter's plan threatens kids' time with teachers

Sitting on stimulus money for schools draws fire from educators, Luna

Gov. Butch Otter proposes holding $78 million in reserve for 2010 and 2011 to protect against a slumping economy and insists teachers share in a 5 percent cut in payroll costs aimed at all state employees.

One possible result could be a school year shortened by the equivalent of up to 13 days, state school officials say.

Otter's plan, born of his belief that the economic slump hasn't bottomed out, is drawing opposition from teachers, some lawmakers and Republican state schools Superintendent Tom Luna, a political ally.

The governor's proposal came a day after President Obama said American children should go to school longer so they can compete more effectively against foreign students for jobs.

If schools lose teaching days, Cindy Hall, a teacher in the Meridian School District, will feel the pinch.

"I just look at the content I'm required to cover for fifth grade, and I already feel I don't have enough days," said Hall, who teaches at Eliza Hart Spalding Elementary. "I feel like it is becoming more of a surface curriculum."

Otter's plan would leave the state with $192 million in education rainy-day funds and a stimulus reserve account to weather an economic storm.

That's too much, and the effect would hurt student achievement, said Luna and some educators.

"You can't build a savings account at the expense of our system," said Linda Clark, Meridian district superintendent.

Luna has proposed cutting his budget by $62 million, includingthe equivalent of a three-day furlough for teachers. Otter's plan could require up to 13 days of furlough unless teachers agree to a pay cut while working for the same number of days.

Another option schools have is to reduce what they spend on salaries by not replacing teachers who retire or leave the district. But that could increase class sizes and reduce kids' interaction with teachers. Cutting pay or the number of working days for a teacher will require the state to change a law that forbids instructors working fewer days or receiving less pay from one year to the next.

A bill to change those restrictions is under consideration in the Legislature.

While educators complain about the governor's cut, Otter said he wants a big cushion.

As the economy faltered in September, Otter thought all he would need to get through the slump was to pull $14 million out of the $114 million education rainy- day fund. But as the economy worsened, the state has pulled out $84 million, he said.

Most of that will be replaced this year with stimulus money.

Bill Roberts: 377-6408