Idaho Department of Education comes to Magic Valley for post-legislative tours

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — School is not out for the summer just yet, but district leaders from around the state are already preparing for next year.

“It’s really one of the Idaho Department of Education’s favorite events of the year as we are able to get into every region in the state,” said Spencer Barzee, deputy superintendent for the Idaho Department of Education.

The post-legislative roadshow is an annual tour organized by the Idaho State Department of Education. Its goal is to present what has passed in the legislature face-to-face to districts.

“It’s really valuable to be able to have those more personal, interactive conversations about everything that’s coming in the school year,” said Gideon Tollman, CFO of the Idaho State Department of Education.

Each district usually brings a team that includes the superintendent and other key staff.

“Like a lot of districts, we brought our team down,” said Jim Foudy, Superintendent of Blaine County School District. “I’ve got my director of HR, assistant superintendent and our board chair here with me. We are all listening, so we hear it accurately and just trying to prepare for the next school year.”

Starting this summer, districts will get 5% more for teacher pay and benefits. That has been one of the questions the department has heard around the state.

“One of the things the clarification was needed has been in regard to the salary schedule,” Barzee said. “The changes now that the career ladder has ended its five-year years. How the impact of the CEC’s 5% and how that’s going to actually increase teacher salaries. That’s been one thing we have answered many questions about.”

Additional funding is also available for reading coaches. However, in this session, districts were not given any more for operational costs, which are often utilities, curriculum and staff funding.

“There weren’t any additional operational dollars, so that’s been one of the challenges we’ve talked through and that we’ve heard as we’ve gone around the state,” Tollman said. “Yes, we are so grateful for that staff funding, but it will be challenging without operational funding.”

Districts cannot use funds from building maintenance or staff to pay for other expenses.

They will have to wait until the next session to see if more money will be given for operational costs in the future.

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