REFORM: Actually, it's manipulation

Luna's "Students Come First" proposal claims that it will improve Idaho's education. However, Idaho voters are being manipulated. Voters are being led to believe that our schools are failing, but they are not. Compared to other states, Idahoans receive an excellent education at a significantly lower price. Idaho spends second lowest in the country per pupil; less than $7,000 annually. The national average is more than $10,000 and several states pay more than $15,000. Surprisingly, even with the low dollar amount, Idaho eighth-graders scored 16th in the nation in math and we consistently score in the top 50 percent on nationwide standardized tests.

This legislation is about funding, not improving education. It's a budgetary answer to a financial crisis, and if passed, Idaho's students will come last. Idaho's education system cannot be sustained at the current revenue amount, so Luna created a Band-Aid to provide Idahoans some education without increasing revenue. Instead of improving education, his plan will decrease the quality of education as Idaho's kids spend more time in front of computers, and as Idaho attracts fewer outstanding teachers.

This bill underestimates the character of Idahoans. When voters are made aware of the excellent education Idaho schools provide and that it comes to them at a fraction of what most states pay, I trust that they will oppose dramatically changing an efficient system.

Don't be fooled by the rhetoric. It is not about improving education, it's about spending less. We're already 49th, is our goal really 50th?

SANDY BIONDO

Coeur d'Alene