Otter Signs Education Bills

Idaho Governor Butch Otter has signed two education reform bills into law. Senate Bills 1108 and 1110 are two of three parts of the controversial education reform plan proposed by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna. Senate Bill 1108 will limit the collective bargaining rights of teachers, and eliminate "tenure."   Senate Bill 1110 will institute a "pay for performance" plan for Idaho teachers. The third and revised part of the education reform plan is expected to be introduced this morning in the Senate Education Committee. During the signing ceremony This morning Otter said the bills have been publicly vetted and debated to an unprecedented degree. He says the reform plan will improve the ability of  public schools to fulfill their mission of educating Idaho’s children. The biggest piece of the reform package calls for boosting technology in the classroom.  The bill has undergone significant changes amid concerns it would increase class sizes and cut 770 teaching jobs. Luna unveiled the reform proposal in January with backing from Otter and the plan has dominated the 2011 session, triggering teacher and student protests.