Luna Presents 2015 School Budgets
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna is proposing a 6.9 percent budget increase to Idaho's public school funding for 2015, the largest spending increase he's proposed in his nearly eight-year tenure.
Luna unveiled his budget Tuesday to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and legislative leadership. But because Luna isn't seeking a third term, the winner of the November election will be tasked with selling the $94 million budget increase to lawmakers during the next legislative session.
The new spending recommendations outline a $1.46 billion education budget that includes an additional $31 million for teacher salaries and benefits as well as an additional $9 million for classroom technology. The budget is now being reviewed by stakeholders.