Idaho Capital Schools Get Most Merit Pay Money

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Public schools in Idaho's capital will get the biggest share of a $38 million pay-for-performance bonus under Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's now-repealed education overhaul. Boise School District teachers will share $4.6 million, with teachers in the Meridian School District, the biggest in the state, taking home a combined $4.2 million. The Pocatello School District will receive $2 million to distribute to educators. In all, 499 schools, or 76 percent of Idaho's roughly 650 schools, will receive one-time bonuses linked to student performance in 2011-2012. Despite his loss Nov. 6 on all three of his education laws, Luna has promised to resurrect some provisions during the 2013 Legislature — including merit pay. Foes of the laws this week warned that he shouldn't pursue anything without first enlisting their support.