Idaho public schools brace for budget woes

Idaho public schools brace for budget woes

BOISE Many lawmakers were reluctant to stamp approval on a plan that slashes total spending on public education for the first year in Idaho history, but they insisted they had done their best.

Public schools chief Tom Luna says the dilemma that faced the 2010 Legislature will be overshadowed by the tougher choices that await local school districts and administrators when classes start again this fall.

Idaho schools face a 7.8 percent cut in the coming year under a budget crafted in the thick of rising unemployment and diminishing tax revenues, but they will also get more flexibility in how they spend the money they do get.

Luna says the cuts are unprecedented and his office will provide local school districts with technical assistance as they plan with about $128 million less in funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1.