REFORM: Bills were created with no input

The three pillars of the Luna education reform plan in Idaho were passed by the legislature and were signed by the governor.

If I understand it correctly the following is what was accomplished by this legislation: 1. Teachers will no longer have any voice or influence into the learning environment, teachers will have no job security and will be subject to arbitrary firing, and superintendents of schools no longer have to have any education in education. 2. A "pay for performance" system is now in place based on the idea that competition, not collaboration, is needed and will improve education. 3. Teachers will have their salaries reduced so that they may receive a laptop, training on how to use a laptop and have the opportunity to receive a "pay for performance" bonus, all funded by having their pay cut.

Further, a fourth "hidden" pillar was addressed by our legislature. In order to encourage our students to go to college and stay in college, higher education budgets were cut so that fees and tuition will rise making it more expensive to go to school.

These "reform" bills were created with no input from educators or stakeholders and were approved against overwhelming opposition from teachers, parents, administrators, students and almost all other concerned citizens. What I do not understand about these bills is how they will reform and not deform the Idaho educational system. I would like an explanation from John Goedde, Bob Nonini, Tom Luna and Governor Otter. Help me understand.

TIMOTHY SANDFORD

Coeur d'Alene