Forum explores issues surrounding ed reform
SANDPOINT — With Election Day right around the corner, it appears that much attention has been placed on presidential debates and the issues surrounding national politics. However, there are many other important issues that will face voters when they go to the polls on Nov. 6.
What people have come to know as the Luna laws, referring to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the state of Idaho Tom Luna, is just one of the many issues before Idaho voters. No matter which side one may be on, it is an important issue and one that everyone on both sides feel voters must be well versed on before pulling the curtain and placing their pencil to paper in the voting booth.
The vote addresses whether the reforms passed by the 2011 legislature which in essence limited union bargaining power, promoted teacher merit pay and made a certain number of online classes mandatory, will remain in place or be overturned. In the budget presented by Luna, there is an $8.4 million increase in funding for laptops scheduled to be distributed to Idaho high school students in the fall of 2013. Luna’s budget recommendations also include a 5% increase in funding for Idaho public schools next year which would follow a 4.6 percent increase in state general funding this fiscal year.
Often-heard arguments in opposition to the Luna measures include the cost and maintenance of providing laptops.
Opponents argue the cost will eventually result in taking money from other important educational programs. Opponents also argue that replacing teachers with laptops and online instruction will result in a decrease in jobs for educators.
Proponents say that paying teachers based on the performance of the students they teach, as opposed to a salary scale, will result in higher student performance in the classroom.
Either way, there is an opportunity today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to learn more from those who are familiar with the law.
On that date, there will be a moderated panel discussion on the topic at Sandpoint City Council Chambers, 1123 Lake Street.
The discussion will be moderated by Zach Hagadone, a freelance journalist and former owner and publisher of The Reader. There will be a discussion and also questions from the audience will be addressed.
Panel members, who include people on both sides of the issue, will include Alan Millar principal of the Sandpoint Charter School and a supporter of technological approaches to education; Briana Thoreson, a private practice counselor with expertise in learning and brain development; Brian Smith, a local educator and president of the local teachers association; Laura Bry, a local self-employed independent Apple products consultant, technician and trainer whose expertise is in computers; and Brenda Woodward, Lake Pend Oreille School District volunteer coordinator and parent of school age children.
The event is sponsored by the Women’s Democratic Coalition - a loosely knit group of local women interested in presenting educational forums to the public on issues of interest to the voting public.