BOISE -- Idaho schools chief Tom Luna used the first day of the 2011 Legislature to hint at comprehensive reforms to education that will include a proposal to pay teachers based on merit, not seniority or education.
Luna, speaking at Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's side on Monday, said his plan will be introduced Wednesday.
He declined to give details, but hinted it may include elements he's backed in the Idaho Legislature before.
In 2008, Luna unsuccessfully promoted a $60 million teacher pay plan that called to pay teachers more if they were certified to instruct in-demand subjects, boosted their qualifications -- and agreed to forego coveted job security.
Without changes, Luna contends Idaho teachers will face more furloughs and scant money for textbooks and technology.
The changes would focus on "teaching more kids, at a higher level, with restricted funds."
