Just five patrons showed up Thursday night in Idaho Falls to voice concerns about the state’s embattled K-12 science standards. But their stance was clear.

Just five patrons showed up Thursday night in Idaho Falls to voice concerns about the state’s embattled K-12 science standards. But their stance was clear.
School administrators say they already avoid publicly advocating for bond issues or levies, and that the Nampa Republican’s bill could strangle efforts to share basic information with patrons prior to already-strapped elections.
Wednesday’s 30-minute meeting is a bit of a formality. The committee is expected to continue working through 2017, and draw up recommendations for the 2018 Legislature.
State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s top priority for next year is increasing educators’ pay in order to attract and retain teachers.
The House Education Committee held its first meeting under new Chairwoman Julie VanOrden on Wednesday.
On Monday, Gov. Butch Otter outlined a plan to increase public school funding by 6.4 percent next year.
Revenue projections are critical because they establish the amount of money available for state programs — including public schools, the state’s largest annual expense.
The Blackfoot-area Republican is a former school board member who is beginning her third term in the Legislature.
It’s two months into the 2016-17 budget year, but it looks like a robust surplus could be waiting for legislators when they convene in January.