State schools chief Tom Luna told lawmakers he’s made several changes to his budget proposal: He’s calling for a 1 percent increase in salary-based apportionment to school districts, to allow teachers to get pay raises next year, in addition to $16 million for one-time leadership awards, continuing funding that was provided on a one-time basis this year. For school administrators and classified staff, he’s requesting a 2 percent increase in salary funds, because they won’t be part of the leadership awards. Gov. Butch Otter's proposed budget didn't include any of those items.

Luna said these proposals are an interim step, until the governor's task force recommendation for a new career ladder system for teachers is fully developed. “Once the career ladder is fully implemented, starting salary will increase to $40,000,” he said. “The two other tiers in the career ladder would reach close to $50,000 and $60,000, respectively. However, until we make this transition, I believe we should fund a combination of Leadership Awards and a base salary increase for teachers so that we make progress where we can on the Task Force’s recommendation regarding teacher compensation.”

He also said he’s adjusted his request for $16.5 million to begin restoring operating funds to school districts slashed by budget cuts in recent years, to $35 million to match Gov. Butch Otter’s proposal. He’s also revised downward his request for dual credit and advanced courses, from $5.6 million to $3 million, based on the latest cost estimates.

“My budget request this year is an increase of $66.9 million,” Luna told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. “Going forward, if we are to accomplish the implementation of the Task Force recommendations over the next five years, it will require this kind of funding increases every year going forward.” He added, “How we fund these recommendations now and in the future must be a part of any serious conversation about education reform in Idaho. I believe we have the funding this year for each of the requests I put forward.”

JFAC is now taking a break; it'll return for an hour of Q-and-A with Luna over his budget proposals.