LEWISTON - Education reform bills are being heard in the Idaho Legislature this week. And it has some parents and teachers concerned for the future of Idaho schools.
Around 300 people gathered at LCSC Monday night to talk about ways to make their voices heard during the debate on State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's plan for Idaho schools.
"We need to find a way to get all the stakeholders at the same table together and come up with this," said President of the Lewiston Education Association Bruce Schulz. "This plan that is before us now did not have all of the stakeholders involved at the table at the time it was discussed."
The bills being debated this week would change class sizes, modernize schools through the use of online courses, and attempt to re-write teacher contracts and evaluations.
Lewiston High School Associated Student Body president Hayden Lohman told the audience those kind of changes are forcing good teachers out of the classroom.
"The level of respect for teachers is not where it needs to be today, but why," said Lohman. "Everyone who is successful in life owes it to their teachers and the one on one experiences they had in classrooms throughout their life."
Students, teachers, and parents expressed frustration with the proposal. Schultz agreed there needs to be some change, but said the proposed changes will only hurt the students.
Parent Christine Jorgens told the crowd parents against the plan need to step up and be heard.
"My oldest son is in the Special Education class at Webster Elementary and it takes a team of people to ensure that he has a successful education," said Jorgens. "I know that there are a lot of teachers here, but I am asking the parents to stand up, because this legislature is not going to listen to the teachers, I'm sorry. They're going to listen to the parents."
The Education Association was planning a trip to Boise Wednesday so people can testify at the hearing.
Source: Klewtv
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